Update

I'm at the end of my energy tonight, so here is pretty much what I've been emailing and telling people today:

I went to see my doctor today. She's thinking that I had a TIA (Transient Aschemic Attack), based on what I told her happened. She ordered several tests, and I have appointment cards like crazy to keep track of. I had some heart tests today, to rule out problems with my heart, and have an ultrasound of my caraotid arteries scheduled for Tuesday. Neurology is still trying to figure out when they can work me in, so I won't know when that appointment is for awhile. As far as the CAT scan when I was in the ER, apparently TIAs don't usually show up, and they usually don't leave any permanent damage.

The heart tests included an EKG, an echocardiogram, and a bubble test. I spent most of the morning in the clinic.

35 year olds generally don't have TIAs. People twice my age, yeah, it happens. Not at 35 years old. I was the youngest person in the waiting room. I kept thinking, everytime the probe dug into my chest or side, that they do this to tiny old ladies in worse condition than me. The echo-thing is uncomfortable, especially when they dig into your stomach to try to see your heart from the bottom. How do they go through this?

After my appointments were done for the day, I went home, and called my mom. I also talked with my sister, Nan, for awhile. Then, I ate lunch, and took a two hour nap. I was wiped out, sore, and just needed to close my eyes and not think about all of this for awhile.

My doctor told me that it was okay to continue with my normal activities, as much as I can. I am still going to Omaha this weekend. I may not be able to do as much as I normally do, just because I get tired faster, but I can still help out a lot. I don't want to end up stuck in my apartment, missing everything I love. I could sit by the phone, wringing my hands worriedly between appointments, or I could be out maintaining what health I do have, by being as active as I can, and enjoying myself.

I'll do whatever the doctors tell me I have to do. And for right now, they are saying it's okay to go.

P.S. I did really well on the caffeine cut-back today. Sodium, not great, but better than normal. We went out to eat with my mom and my sister, Kim, tonight. Eating out is always a challenge. I had a salad with chicken on it, Ranch on the side (used less than half), and lemonade (which I couldn't drink, as it was just too sugary). Torture is sitting in Applebees, watching your sister eat what you wanted to have, but couldn't because way too salty. Oh well...