Hi all

Two things are going around in my head (and I'm not talking about my blood flow) and I wanted others opinions.

1. I've heard that the only thing that can be done for a person who is stroking is to administer oxygen to minimize the damage. Has anyone else heard this and does anyone keep oxygen at home in case of emergencies?

2. Aspirin is a blood thinner. If you believe someone is having a stroke; is it a good idea to give aspirin or not? The problem is, if it's a hemorrhagic stroke, then you're not helping by thinning the blood.

Comments please.

Mark (Luca's Dad)

Mark, I don't know about the oxygen question but I do know about aspirin. I am on 325mg plus 75mg Plavix. I worry about this but I also have heart disease so that is why they want my blood thin. It is a choice between stroke or heart attack. I have had two TIA"s and the first thing they do is give me aspirin and nitro.

Thanks Skay

I know taking aspirin (or the like) is necessary on an ongoing basis, I'm questioning whether or not to give an extra dose in a situation where you believe you are having a stroke.

Mark (Luca's Dad)

Hi Mark,
Interesting questions. I found this article about aspirin and stroke:
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Sounds to me like it might be a good idea to pop a tablet if you suspect stroke.

Here's an article regarding oxygen:
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It sounds like it can't hurt and might help.

We want so desperately to prevent any damage when stroke happens. Anything that helps even a little tiny bit is worth trying.

Kim

When I went to the ER for a stroke last spring they gave me oxygen and it really helped me feel better.  I was bright red before and within 15 minutes of being on the oxygen I was normal colored again and feeling much better (could move my hand again and speek more clearly).  I have also often thought it woud make sense to have oxygen on hand.  Since with MM one of our biggest problems is we don't get enough oxygen to parts of our brains.  I'm sure it can't hurt! The other thing they did right away when I was having the stroke was put me on a blood thinner (hepren I think).   I'm not sure about double dosing the asprin or not is a good thing. It seems like it would be, but the one thing I would worry about is when it wears off and the blood starts to thickn back up to normal, if that would cause a problem?  I know when I was in the hospital they had to monitor my blood thickness as it went back up after I was on the thinner.  And I also know they realy push that you should take your asprin the same time every day to keep your blood at the same thickness at all times.

Thanks for the great info.

In that moment of crisis, I cannot stand being helpless. It's good to have an action plan, which in this case would be oxygen and, maybe, blood thinner. At least I'll feel like I'm doing something to help.

Take care everyone
Mark (Luca's Dad)