Newest Update on Mini-Stroke??? Ear Infection??? Latest info again...again

Well so far still no definative explaination, or diagnosis. The best answer so far is not a brain tumor, we'd have seen that. Not MS, we don't even consider that in your age group. Not a stroke, probably two TIA's ie mini strokes. But why are some of the symptoms still here almost a year later? Well, we don't know...
Most recentl had a cerebral Angiogram, everything good but for 50-70% blockage in the left rear artery to the brain. Yes, I'm told that MIGHT cause the numbness on the right side of my face and other symptoms. I'm also told that either the blood pressure or colesterol meds don't remember which, can cause the balance issues as a side effect. Then had a CT Perfusion scan, apparently even with the blockage blood flow to the brain is normal I'm told. Going to see the Neurosurgeon Dr. Deshaies again in Dec, to discuss options, I figure he'll recommend a stent, but at this point, the numbness receding, I'm inclined to let my body heal itself.  Had a colonoscopy and no problems, got yelled at by the Drs for never having had one, with a family history. Seeing another Dr. in a couple days, to see about repairing the hernia, it's like an old friend, been with me since around 72 or 73 and still reduceable.

Still diabetic I guess, that apparently never goes away. I am surprised by how it seems to have grown in this country compared to 50 years ago or so. My blood sugar is down in the low to mid 100's now and the 3 month blood test was under 7 (6.5-7 is right per the Dr.) both times. Blood pressure has corrected itself and colesterol was good, except good colesterol was low, need to get that up some. Saw Dr. Young in Hamilton, no news is good news. Saw the new Cardiologist in Hamiliton, Dr Carlson, he said the hole in my heart may not be a hole but a flap that didn't close completely, apparently as babies we all have the wall between the two chambers as two flaps that allow the mothers blood to circulate, after we're born the flap grows closed, except in possibly as many as 30% of adults the flaps never closed completely. Dr Carlson said he's not convinced this is my problem, that he feels that I should hold off dealing with it unless I have another "episode"...
So at this point I still don't know for sure what caused the mini strokes, if that's what they were, and may never know. But I am much more aware of what's going on in my body, I keep an eye on blood pressure and blood sugar, I'll continue taking the aspirin and my herbs. I have to say I hadn't seen a Dr in nearly 30 yrs until this happened and should have, if I'd known before what I know now, who knows it may never have happened. I've always maintained my cars taking them in at the slightest problem, now I know to do that for this vehicle too, my body that is. The other benefit is that it's made it easier to relate to the veterans I see, and deliver their scooters to.

Update on Mini-Stroke??? Ear Infection??? Latest info

Went in today, another blood test after 2 weeks on blood pressure medicine. Didn't see Neurologist,  saw Cardiologist, good news blood pressure good. Bad news going to have surgury, at some point to close the hole in my heart, the one I was probably born with. Fortunately sounds like minor operation, going up through an artery and putting an umbrella, she called it, in to close the hole. First before they schedule that I have to see a neuro-surgeon in May.  The nurse did say that the CT Angiogram looked normal.  So far so good...I guess.

Got my blog back... And other news...then Apple Cider Vinegar-Good Stuff or Bad?

Finally!! Back to where it was, more or less, when I got creative and screwed it up. Figured out how to restore the original  posts as described in the last post. Since then got adsence and amazon back as well as several excellent ads for products that will benefit those of us that need healthcare products.
Speaking  of that, from what I've experienced, and read, what I had at the end of December was a minor stroke, not a mini stroke (TIA). The difference is that if it had been a mini stroke (TIA), it would have cleared up in 24 hours or so, mine is still with me to some degree. I still have some numbness on the right side of  my head and  face, and I still tend to tip over if I'm not careful when I take a step to the side or backwards or step over something, but I can swallow normally again, as long as I take smallish bites. The tipping is the worst, the numb face you can get used to, but it's a little annoying to be 62 and walking like a two year old.  My sister's on my case to cut back on salt and sugar, as was a Dr. and a guy I delivered a scooter to.  But it's harder to do than it sounds.
I discovered online a way to reduce the buildup of deposits in veins and arteries,  drink cider vinegar.  You have to use an organic brand that is not filtered or pasturized so it still has "the mother" in it. I bought Bragg, which is available in supermarkets like Price Chopper where I got mine. There are, of course, opinions for and against. The fors say that vinegar with the mother has many benefits. The againsts say it's all hogwash.

Here is a quote from a site called Apple Cider Vinegar Benefits.com

For centuries people have been using natural apple cider vinegar as both a food and a medicine for themselves and for their pets.  Since 400BC, Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, and others, have used vinegar and vinegar mixed with honey, as an energizing tonic and a healing elixir.  More recently, the health benefits of apple cider vinegar have been promoted by many well-known authors such as Dr Jarvis, Paul C. Bragg and Patricia Bragg.  D.C. Jarvis, a Vermont country doctor, noted that apple cider vinegar was a respected home remedy used by many Vermonters to successfully treat a number of common ailments and nagging aches and pains.  He was so impressed that he went on to write a book on his observations and experimentations with home remedies, especially apple cider vinegar, and its beneficial effects on both people and farm animals.  

An apple a day keeps the doctor away.

First let me say that apple cider vinegar is a completely natural product, resulting from the fermentation of apple juice to hard apple cider followed by a second fermentation to apple cider vinegar.  This natural product retains all the nutritional goodness of the apples from which it was made plus it is fortified with the extra acids and enzymes produced during the two fermentation steps.  It's the sum of all these ingredients that give apple cider vinegar its amazing health benefits.

A compilation of many time honored home remedies used for a wide range of health problems is included in the natural healing Home Remedies section.  Apple cider vinegar benefits include many external uses as well. It can be used to sooth sunburns and insect bites, to make your hair shine, and to treat dandruff just to mention a few. Apple cider vinegar fits in well with today's trend towards eating natural healthy whole foods, and away from the over consumption of highly processed convenience foods, which are depleted of much of their original nutrients.

Beware – Not all apple cider vinegars are created equal!

Many commercial apple cider vinegars have been pasteurized, filtered, refined or distilled in order to make the product look good, and thereby more appealing to the general public.  Unfortunately this extra processing destroys much of the healthy goodness and thus many of the apple cider benefits that were in the product in the first place. The best type of apple cider vinegar to use is one made from cold pressed, organically grown whole apples, in which no chemicals or preservatives have been added, which contains the "mother of vinegar", and is not pasteurized. The "mother of vinegar" is a natural gelatinous substance formed during the last fermentation step.  This type of wholesome apple cider vinegar can be readily found in most health food stores and can be purchased online also.  Alternatively, you can brew your own nutritious apple cider vinegar at home. It's surprisingly easy to do and the whole family can be involved.

End of Quote....

Of course it must be said that any claims of health benefits are anecdotal, but I will say that personally I feel better after taking 3 teaspoons in a couple ounces of water before going to bed for the last few weeks.

Apparently it's a combination of acetic, malic and tartaric acids in the vinegar together with the enzymes, potassium, pechtin (a water soluable fiber), amino acids, minerals and good bacteria that help lower blood pressure, reducing cholesterol, and cleaning plaque out our blood vessels. My suggestion is if you need it, read up on it and give it a try. Used sensibly, it can't hurt you, and it just may help.