Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

My dad suffered from Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) or mini stroke three weeks ago. It just started from a loud noise he heard from his inner ear and suddenly followed by a tremendous fainting; and few seconds more, he can no longer move his right hand and right legs. He was alone in the house when this happened. He tried his best to crawl from the living room to the bedroom. Because he could not shout for help, he chose to just stay in the room.

The attack started at 2 o'clock in the afternoon. My mom went home at 6 o'clock in the evening. When she entered the house and went to the bedroom, she saw my dad lying face down on the bed. She thought my dad was sleeping. But when she turned on the light, my dad started to utter garbled words and swayed his left hand. My mom was so shocked and suddenly rushed to help my dad. She lifted my him and asked for help from the neighbors. One of our neighbors managed to give my dad a pineapple juice before he was rushed to the hospital. After a few minutes, dad's speech became normal and he could again move his right arms and legs. When they arrived at the hospital, all traces of the attack were already gone except for a little fainting. The doctor's initial finding was Meniere's disease. The doctor said my dad can go home once the fainting is gone. But more than two hours has passed and my dad was still fainting. He was admitted for thorough examination.  

My dad undergone 2D Echo and CT Scan. The 2D Echo test result showed that my dad's heart was weak. Because of this, my dad was subjected to Coronary Angiography (angiogram). This is a diagnostic test to visualize the blood in the coronary arteries. Three clogged veins were identified after the test, one 70%, the others 90% and 100% clogged.

Video of my dad's heart, taken during the angiogram

Thallium Viability test was also performed on my dad to know the recovery percentage rate of his heart. Fifty-five percent (55%) of my dad's heart is irreversible, thus a chance to restore the functionality of my dad's heart is very little. Because of this, the doctor neither recommended surgery nor angioplasty. He issued discharge-order instead and prescribed take-home medicines. He advised to strictly follow the schedule of medicine in-take and follow-up consultation. The doctor also ordered my dad to stop smoking.


This was a very challenging one that I didn't know how did we surpass the fear and all downsides that this experience has brought my family. Looking up to Jesus brought forth comfort and peace. We believe on God's purpose, He allowed this to happen for a cause.

 "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?  You are not your own; you were bought at a price.  
Therefore honor God with your body,"

1 Corinthians 6:19-20