Most of you know I had a birthday. (OK, we all have them, but you know what I mean.) And, at least to me, it is not surprising that each year brings on some limitation of some sort (most of which only exist between my two ears). And, more than a few strands of grey. (You may not see them except in my beard- but I do!) Of course, I earned them…
But, this past weekend, I had experienced something I have not felt in about two decades. A total loss of sensation in my legs- which is a problem if one is perambulating! I did have my other senses fully intact and could brace my body as well as one can for the inevitable “How do you do?” from terra firma, when and if that occurs. And, of course, I had an audience. (Nothing like having to explain the circumstances to another…) I won’t bother you with the (incorrect) diagnoses provided me- all with good intention.
At first, I was worried that this was a recurrence from one of my “accidents”. You know- when a drunk driver hits your car head on, when the silver cigar one employs for transport to destinations beyond decides that Hashem never intended us to fly- those kind of accidents. And, my eldest children may recall (not very fondly) when an ambulance was necessary to scoop me off the floor (more than once), because I was unable to move a millimeter. Thankfully, this fear was like most other fears- false evidence appearing real.
Another thought, given my grey filaments, was that this could have been a stroke of sorts. After all, this was how my mother met our Maker. She was walking up steps, with her ever-present companion 4 inch heels, and “fell”. At least, that’s how she reported the event. She was convinced (by us) to not alter her plans, flew to DC, and had one of the better weekends of her life, celebrating the bat mitzvah of her youngest granddaughter. (She went home that weekend to never leave the hospital before she died. It turned out she had a series- more than 200- of mini-strokes, which is how she fell in the first place.) Thankfully, this was not among my issues, either.
No, my event was far more vernacular. About a year ago, I developed a disease that led to a rapid- and dangerous- elevation of my normal blood pressure. One that was most recalcitrant to treatment. One that required me to take a cornucopia of pills. (OK, two scrips, but since I rarely, if ever, concede the need to take a pill, this was a major factor to me.) Still, my symptoms were not under control. Until this past weekend.
It seems that my body finally shook the symptoms. And, my blood pressure returned to “normal”- not quite my old normal, but clearly one that is almost normal (still a little low). And, my rapid ascent and gait let the momentum of my actions let me keep going- until it was clear that I couldn’t. My brain wasn’t getting the same blood flow it was used to for the past year, and, rather than fainting or losing consciousness, it just missed communicating with my legs.
The point? Pay attention to your body. Know its normal responses. And, don’t wait to find out why something has changed. You may not get another chance.
Oh my goodness, Roy. How scary. I’m glad you’re okay – hope you’ll still get checked out (if you haven’t already) even if it means taking another dreaded pill. Your advice to listen to your body is excellent (as usual). Take care of yourself.
Thanks for your concerns, Bonnie. I am now sanguine that the pills may be retired, if my blood pressure is now back to physiological normal. I am not sure we would like to see it return to my normal, which would mean low blood pressure problems.
Time will tell. And, thanks for your comments.
Roy
Wow, happy to hear you are doing better and it wasn’t anything too ‘big’. I have to say, knowing people with health problems and listening to their stories really does aid in helping my own ‘health awareness’.
My husband is a Type 1 diabetic and has been insulin dependent via a pump for about 7 years. Since then, I am certainly more aware of my body and what its normal responses are.
Thank you for sharing your stories of you and your mom.
Diabetes is a real issue, Elise. Not only in and of itself, but because of all the other maladies that develop if it is not controlled. Kidney failure, blood pressure management, etc.
Glad to hear that you are both monitoring your health!
Roy
Wow, Roy, scary stuff-glad you’re still with us! And happy belated birthday. That’s really good advice. I would add that if you do notice something is just “not right,” be persistent and don’t let a doctor convince you it’s all in your head. You know your body better than anyone.
Except this WAS all in my head, Cathy! 🙂
I laugh about it now, but when I was 2/3 of the way across the room and realized that I neither was controlling nor feeling my legs, it was less than humorous.
Roy
Boy, can I relate to the age issue. As for the blood pressure thing, mine is either too low or too high. I’ve never blacked out, but I have started going into a tunnel of darkness. Scary.
I’m so glad your mother had such a good time and that she made it through the weekend.
As for you and your pill resistance, get over it. You probably should be taking a small dose of aspirin daily because of your mother. We do what we have to.
By the way have you seen how much you are loved? Wow.
Ann, thank you SO much for your thoughts.
And, I’m lucky I didn’t black out, or my head would have hit one or two of the obstacles I maintain in my bedroom (movable cabinets, chairs).
Roy
What a wake up call for all of us, Roy. Thanks for sharing your story. You’re right, we all need to listen to our own bodies. Nobody knows it like you do. To many of us rely on doctors to tell us what’s right or wrong. Glad this turned out to be something positive for you!
Sherrie
Well, Sherrie, we need to listen to our bodies AND find out via testing (which is typically provided by physicians) what the underlying causes may or may not be.
The trick is to NOT wait for some annual or biannual physical to discern these issues.
Roy
That must have been just awful, Roy. What a frightening feeling (or not feeling, as the case may be). I can completely understand all the thoughts and fears that went through your mind. Who wouldn’t? I’m very happy to hear that your situation was not caused by your biggest fears, but something actually good. I find that the older I get, the more I have to deal with some mysterious physical maladies or changes. It’s certainly not easy and your advice is important. Thank you for sharing your story. I hope you are feeling much better now and that this doesn’t repeat itself! ~Suerae
Thanks for your thoughts, Suerae:
The real purpose for writing this is because so many would be too afraid to find out (like that fixes things). Many folks have symptoms that could let them know they have elevated blood pressure- but do nothing. Which could lead to their development of diabetes or kidney disease. Or, one could recall Natasha Richardson, who fell while on a skiing vacation, thought nothing of it, and was dead within 24 hours.
Roy
How scary, Roy, I am glad you feel better. And of course, you are right, we should all listen more carefully to our body signals and act accordingly, this is what our common sense would tell us to do, but I find that with advancing in wisdom (or years?) I have become more stubborn, too (so it is years!).
I am glad your mother had this good weekend and could enjoy the bat mitzvah with her family.
Shana tova
Barbara
Nice to meet you here, Barbara! Not exactly the best moment to make my acquaintance- when I have to explain a fall!
But, you’re right. And, the reason I wrote this is so many of us would have written it off to a moment. In some cases, it could mean you are on the road to diabetes or kidney failure (if the blood pressure is not controlled), or stroke related death. I always recall how Natasha Richardson “shook off” her fall. Something I clearly would do as well. And…
Caveat emptor!
Roy
Glad you’re still alive and kicking Roy!
I’m a huge advocate of the point you’ve made here. Being attentive and conscious of what our body is telling us leads to better choices and consequently to a better life, not to mention that you’ll be far more aware of changes in it’s usual rhythms…
I recently got interested in productivity and efficiency, and it’s lead me right back to body awareness and health. Without looking after our ‘vehicle’, there’s only so long we can achieve anything!
Jym:
You said a mouthful! And, it’s great advice for everyone to follow- regardless of age!
Thanks for adding to the message.
Roy
You are so right about our body giving us “wake-up” calls. I have been taking meds for high blood pressure for a couple of years.
I have also been trying to eat healthier and exercise.
Glad this story had a happy ending, Roy!
Keep that BP under control, Janette!
Failure to do so can lead to diabetes or kidney failure. And, it usually comes from folks who don’t take the pills religiously.
Roy
Thank God you’re now hale and hearty, Roy. I missed saying a happy birthday to you before “the day” and I wish you many more happy returns – with perfect health.
You’re right, this post is a reminder of us not to take any body signal lightly. You know, you’re so lucky that you had an audience at that instance. I know someone who got into a similar situation when he was alone and it was a stroke. He was discovered hours later when a couple of people went to visit him.
Stella:
Thanks for your wishes. In my case, it would not have made a difference, since I never lost consciousness- just lost the ability to get my leg muscle control- for about a second. But, you’re absolutely correct that having more than one person can be the assurance one needs in cases of emergency.
Roy
I am so glad we will still be enjoying your ruminations for a while, Roy. I hope you follow your own advice and start listening to your body. I never really heard any message from mine until I hit the forties. Since then, I have being receiving frequent calls and missives. I finally decided to answer the calls. Now, my body and I maintain a fluent love-hate relationship.
Gustavo:
It’s the love-hate balance that lets us keep going!
Roy