Life is getting back on track. On July 15th I had what some (mainly Doctors) believe to be a transient ischaemic attack a.k.a. a mini-stroke. I have undergone many tests and have met some new doctors in the past four weeks. Other then the 25 minutes on the 15th where I endured slurred speech, fatigue, an inability to find my words and a slight headache, I have been healthy. Today I had the final (at least for now) exploratory tests. I chose to share this one, 'cause its rather quite interesting! Echo Bubble test Patients suffering Transient Ischaemic attack, 'the bends' severe migraine with aura or Stroke, may have a 'hole in the heart' whereby blood clots or substances can pass from the right side of the heart (or low pressure system) to the brain without being filtered by the lungs. These defects can be small e.g. a 'patent foramen ovale' , or large - atrial septal defect. It is worth detecting these defects because they can now be closed without open heart surgery. Description: This test is designed to look for 'hole in the heart'. It is mildly invasive so the patient should give informed consent. A venflon cannula is placed in the right forearm. Three Ten mL syringes are filled with 0.9% normal saline. A fourth syringe containing 2 mL of air is used with a three way tap to agitate/mix the air into the saline in order to create a solution of micro bubbles that can be seen with ultrasound scanning. The patient is instructed to perform a valsalva procedure (nose closed, push down) and after practicing, lies in left lateral position so that the echo cardiographer can obtain a standard apical 4 chamber view of the heart. 10 mL of contrast is given to assess opacification of the right heart (while recording to video). 2 further shots are given during valsalva release (when the right atrial pressure rises above left atrial pressure). The amount of contrast passing into the left heart during this phase is recorded and classified as 0 - none 1- 0-15 per frame 2- 15-30 per frame 3 - >30 The venflon is then removed and patient can sit quietly for 10 minutes. Where large shunts occur, transient cerebral ischaemia have been reported occasionally. The Dr. was able to tell me that I don't have this hole that 1 out of 5 Canadians do. Everyone is born with this hole, however 80% of us have it grow in during the first year of life, 20% don't! For those of you wondering how I'm doing - mentally and physically I'm doing well. As one friend pointed out - I'm getting a physical that some Canadians don't enjoy until their 65! Another friend kindly states 'I, personally, think you'll be fine. I mean seriously, you're Pamela.' Mike is getting used to the idea that there has been a bleep in my health. It has taken him a while. I think it was just simply my reaction to turning 31 :-) In all seriousness, it could happen to a number of people, it just happened to happen to me. I take care in what I eat (chocolate IS a major food group), I take my Aspirin everyday, I hug Lily everyday and I kiss my husband. May you each hold your loved ones and let them know just how much they are loved. PPS.