Invincible Youth

Having two aunts as doctors, hypertensive parents and friends and relatives connected to the medical field, I grew up with the constant reminder to take care of my health. I cannot claim to have followed their advise but I do however, take care of myself.

I don't have any vices and though I enjoy food, I make sure I eat healthy as well. Sure, I enjoy sisig as much as the next person but I also am friends with my veggies. There was a time I exercised regularly. Now I just get massages :) Whatever litany I recite here, bottomline is, I have led myself to believe in the invincibility of youth.

Thus, it came as a shock to suddenly find myself in line at a doctor's clinic (a neurologist, no less!). Initial diagnosis: TIA (transient ischemic attack). I am also scheduled to have a head MRI and MRA on Monday. All these letters and acronyms I do not even understand.

And just like that, the powers of youth deserted me. The numb lips episode I chalked up as a result to incessant singing and talking might actually be a "pre-stroke"! Imagine that...

For a week now, I have been walking in a daze, trying to wrap my mind to the idea that I might have had a stroke, getting myself used to the practice of taking "serious" meds now (c'mon, paracetamols and anti-histamines don't count as serious meds) and basically, trying to figure out what I did wrong.

To all you readers, my cardiologist aunt told me that recent studies prove that stress is the 2nd biggest contributor to strokes and heart attacks. Embrace that truth that and don't rely on the invincibility of youth.