So, a lot has happened since my stroke in May.
I was diagnosed with two genetic blood clotting disorders as well as having problems with other clotting factors that will clear on their own. The genetic ones are two different types of thrombophilia. I also had two Neurology follow-ups and imaging done at 3 months and 6 months post stroke. I just recently been told I no longer need to have more imaging or follow-ups with Neurology, which is nice. However, I still have a thrombus (blood clot) in my Left Sigmoid Sinus that hasn't budged with blood thinner. They told me that there is a high possibility that it has been there all my life given my congenital clotting disorders. Since the Sigmoid Sinus is a pair (left and right), they do not feel the need to intervene with the clot since the right side is wide open and clear. For those interested, the Sigmoid Sinus is responsible for draining blood from the brain, emptying down the jugular vein to be recirculated through the heart.
The stroke itself was caused by a couple of clots in my brain that blocked blood circulating and made the vein either burst or leak blood until it started choking out my brain. This is called a hemorrhagic stroke. Specifically, I had a rare type called intraparenchymal hemorrhage. I was very lucky to not only survive, but also survive with no deficits.
I will be on anticonvulsants and a blood thinner called Warfarin for the rest of my life. Due to the clot and the two congenital clotting disorders, I have to stay on that specific blood thinner, which really sucks. Even though it is an older drug that is compatible with many other medications, plus affordable, I have to have consistent blood tests to monitor my blood thickness AND I have to keep my diet restricted. Vitamin K interferes with the thinner and it is quite shocking just how much American food has vitamin k rich foods and ingredients (including cooking oils like olive, soybean, and canola). One largest loss is anything with soybean, even more so fermented soybeans, such as soy sauce, miso, teriyaki, etc. So, I had to cut out most Asian cuisine or at the least moderate it to very little amounts.
I still have at least one follow-up left with a hematologist to see if the other factors start to level back out.
So many life changing events in 6 months, but still recovering. I am still working, thankfully. I even started driving again since I have been seizure free for 6 months. Still have so much to catch up on after being in and out of work and many medical appointments. Hopefully, 2024 will be better ^-^'
