Hello, I am a 44 year old male who, until relatively recently, has been very fit all of his life, playing various sports, particularly football until only a couple of years ago. My problem started at the beginning of 2009 when suddenly I lost all vision in my right eye. There was no pain and no warning signs this was going to happen as I had no previous health problems. This lasted for about 3 mins until the vision returned as quickly as it went.
I had a number of similar episodes over the next few months including what I can only describe as a curtain dropping down in my eye (always the right eye). I was examined by various specialists and was diagnosed with Amaurosis Fugax and placed on medication (aspirin and ezetimibe). Afterwards I felt that my physical strength had diminished a little but still felt relatively fit.
I was free of any further symptoms for 3 years until a similar episode of loss of vision in September 2012 and after further examinations my medication was changed ( chlopidigrel and rusovostatin). I felt that I was getting tired very easily and was finding it hard to concentrate at times. Again I was symptom free for about a year until I suffered a further loss of sight in my right eye (October 2013). Not only did I lose my sight, I also lost coordination in my legs, I had 'tingling' in my right fingers and leg. I was admitted to hospital where I was told I was having a stroke. At this point I felt completely drained of all energy, I was sleeping most of the day, I had no strength in my arms or legs and was extremely 'moody'. Over the next few weeks I underwent further examinations including a transoesophogal echocardiogram and it was discovered I had a Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) which it was explained is a 'hole in the heart' and was probably where small blood clots are forming.
I underwent an MRI scan recently and it was found I had a 'white spot' on the left side of my brain which was explained May be a restriction in the blood flow. I have been referred to a cardiologist and a neurologist for further consultation but I have to wait a significant time before my appointments. I am extremely worried as I have never had anything like this before, I am not allowed to work (I am a police officer of 23 years with minimal sickness) and do not know what is likely to happen.
Any advice would be welcome.
Kind regards,
Eamonn