TIA

Thankful for the Hard Things

Tammy M Cardwell1 Comment

I’ve explained before that God uses the trials and tribulations in our lives, that even the hard times can result in great good if we let God lead us through them. Growth is usually part of the good, as is the gaining of tools. Today I’m thanking God for turning my most recent trial into a tool.

I had already made some definite lifestyle changes before I had the TIA (mini-stroke) last month. I’d cut way back on sugar, dropped sodas almost completely, and begun intermittent fasting to help me gain control of my eating habits in hopes of losing weight.

I’d also started taking some very important supplements. If you read my post Tired of Exhaustion?, you’ve heard of them. Both are from Solle Naturals; they’re Vital and Cinnamate. Oh, and I’d started on Terry Naturally’s Adrenaplex. I started it because it helps your adrenals, and that helps with hormone issues. I’ve since discovered that it’s helping me with a lot more!

So when I had the TIA, I was already on the right course. My A1C was 5.9, which was a bit of a surprise, but since I was already a few weeks into multiple products that help control sugar issues (plus I’d made my dietary changes), it didn’t concern me much. When we discussed my cholesterol numbers, pretty much everything that was suggested I already do-or don’t do since I neither drink nor smoke.

I was able to assure the counselor that I did all the right things until she said, “Cut back on processed foods.” My sister instantly spoke up. “Oh, she’s bad about that! But she’s going to start eating with me!” I didn’t hesitate to publicly accept that offer! Now I just eat like a queen and give her most of what I used to spend on groceries. Win! The only other facet that needs attention is exercise, and I’m working on becoming more serious about that.

So yes, there are lots of great changes being made. I’ve since discovered that at least one of those supplements I take for other things helps with cholesterol as well, so I’m at a double win. And of course I’m taking what the doctor prescribed.

Back to the TIA and why I’m thanking God for it. You see, I know me, and I am well aware that as I get farther down the road I tend to forget the importance of what I’m doing. I forget to buy a supplement and forget why I was taking it in the first place. I forget why I got off sodas and pick them back up again. (I’ve done that so many times!) I forget all too easily.

But this time I have a tool. Its name is TIA. I thank God often that it was only a TIA, that there is no permanent damage, and I thank Him that it now stands in front of me as a clear warning to stay the course. It could have been a full-blown stroke, but it wasn’t. It was a warning I won’t forget.

Was it a trial? Yes. Am I honestly thanking God for it? Yes. Has it helped me grow? Also yes. Thank God!

I hope you’re having a blessed Thanksgiving.

Celebrating Jesus!
Tammy C

I Knew My Words Were Slurring

Tammy M Cardwell2 Comments

I was sitting at the front desk and took the call like normal, but something felt off. As the call progressed, I understood the conversation, but became aware I was slurring my words. I also suddenly felt drugged, like I was moving through sludge. After completing the call, I sat there for..,honestly I’m not sure how long, trying to figure out what was going on. Honestly, I knew something was off, but was just enough disconnected in the moment that I didn’t know how off it was.

Then my office manager was standing in front of me. Suddenly, her eyes were huge and she said, “Ms. Tammy, I think you’re having a stroke!” In moments, she was on my side of the desk and dialing 911.

That was Thursday. Today is Saturday. I’m home, all my scans were clear, and it has been ruled a TIA/mini-stroke. I have no permanent damage. I just have to take it easy for a few days, follow up with my primary care, and make some changes based on the results of the lipid panel.

So why am I writing this? Education, more than anything else. Having walked the medical path with Jack, I will of course make the necessary changes. (Have to after I complained about him for so many years. 😁) But I also want to say, “Be Aware,” or as aware as you can and, “Don’t ignore it.”

I’m not sure what would have happened had my office manager not come to my desk at that time. I recovered quickly. By the time the ambulance got me to the hospital there was almost no visible evidence left that it had happened. In the usual course of our day, I can be alone at that front desk for a long time. What if I’d sat there until it passed and then just picked back up as if nothing had changed?

Yes, I have to admit such a thing is entirely possible. I’m not proud to admit that I could be so stupid, but I know me. So yeah, don’t ignore it.

I’m glad I’m still here to be…

Celebrating Jesus!

Tammy C