Scared to go to hospital but know I should

[Bigfatcoward]

I had what could possibly have been a TIA yesterday, weird visual disturbance for about 20 minutes which then resolved on its own. Only other thing that matches my symptoms is visual migraine and I have no history of migraine so TIA seems most likely.

I'm autistic and terrified of doctors/hospitals, I'm also 50, a stone or so overweight and a smoker so also now terrified I'm going to have a major stroke and die. The fear (of both things) is paralysing me so I'm just sitting here, literally scared stiff and can't seem to snap out of it.

I've been making excuses to myself not to go since yesterday, it's a bank holiday so a&e will be packed, they might not be able to do the tests/scans I'll need because it's a weekend/holiday so I might as well wait, it will freak DD (also autistic) out if I'm ill and I don't want to worry her etc etc. I know they're stupid excuses and I really should go but I just can't make myself do it, please help.

I think you should go but, actually, a visual migraine sounds more likely.

Might be worth phoning 111, but I can guess that they will suggest a and e. Or maybe try your GP tomorrow?
Hope you’ll be ok op, but it needs to be checked out.

Agree with pp, before heading to A&E give 111 a call and hopefully a GP will call you back and advise. Try not to panic, we all hate these medical emergencies but it has to be done.

Yep, sounds way more like an ocular migraine.

If you don't want to go to a hospital, go to an optician instead. Just to check it's not something to do with the retina. They are really good at this sort of thing.

I came on to say the same. Loss of vision would go more with TIA but a weird visual disturbance fits more with migraine. What do you mean by weird? Zig zag lines or seeing things in the visual field are what we would call "positive" symptoms ie something happening (migraine)as opposed to negative symptoms which is the loss of vision due to interruption of the blood flow and TIA.

Also need to get retina checked too. So yes go back(sorry edited to say I see you're just thinking of going not that you've been 111 would be good or optician too if any open to check the retina)but I'd be quietly confident (retired GP but a lot of neurology experience)

I think it’s more likely be to do with tiredness/migraine/eyesight than TIA, that’s quite a specific conclusion to have reached. Why not give 111 a call and see what they advise. Try to stay calm, it’s probably nothing.

A visual migraine sounds far more likely, I was sent by 111 to A&E, they checked me over but I was told it was an occular migraine, my first was in my 50's. They told me that with a TIA, it's like a black curtain dropping down on your vision not the flashes and distortion I had. I actually thought mine was a detached retina.
Please do go.

If it’s any reassurance, I had this at work for about twenty minutes about 5 months ago. I didn’t want to cause a fuss and was just about to go into an important meeting. I haven’t had any recurrence and felt better after a good night’s sleep.

I’m much the same age as you and started having Visual or ocular migraines a year or so ago, and have no history of migraines. Kept seeing jagged lights across my vision, or to the side/top and they just go away after 10-15 mins. Most times it’s happened it’s when I have been looking down and concentrating on something, mostly playing golf 🤷🏽‍♀️

It was like when your eyes are dazzled by the sun and you can't see for a few seconds but went on much longer and was more in the right eye than the left. I was looking at FIL (we'd just arrived at their house) and it was like one side of his face was melting/missing because all I could see on that side was dazzling light. Your replies are making me feel a bit calmer, thank you.

Good news is obviously that your symptoms have resolved. I know (boy do I know) how hard it is not to panic when these things happen, but get yourself checked, they will likely tell you what probably happened (and I would agree migraine seems most likely).

Good luck!

I would suggest ringing 111 as some hospitals don't deal with certain issues out of hours so they will direct you to the appropriate hospital or clinic. Although you haven't had migraines before, they can start at your time of life thanks to hormonal changes/menopause so it is possible you have had your first one. I had to go to hospital out of hours recently and didn't want to go but they were fantastic and I was glad I went so please just take the plunge.

Do you have anyone in RL that can support you?

Also, it’s worth creating a hospital passport for if you did need to go.