Originally Posted by en bloc

If your symptoms appeared after the TIA, then Glenntaj has some valid points. If you had the symptoms before the TIA, then I think you need to have an autoimmune work up.

My symptoms began with leg pain prior to the TIA, and have intensified following the TIA. Although I was diagnosed with TIA, my neurologist seems to think the hospital was wrong, and he constantly refers to it as "stress."

You could start with your GP or Neuro (if they are willing to investigate) OR go to a rheumatologist. You need some basic AI labs, (ANA, ANCA, RF, SSA & SSB, Lupus anticoagulant, C3 & C4, autoimmune profile, cryoglobulin, IgG subclasses)...just to start. There are more, but can't think of them off the top of my head. If you ask for an autoimmune (full) work up, they will know.

I have an appointment with a new neurologist in a few weeks, so I am hoping to have a better outcome. I'd like to go into the visit fully informed/educated, so I can work WITH him to set up testing or treatments.

Tell me more about the heart disease. How was this diagnosed? Are you taking anything for it? What are your symptoms? And do you have problems with your BP when standing?

I collapsed outside a store when I was 20 (and very fit, I should add). I was taken via paramedic to the hospital, and it was determined I had abnormal heart rhythm. I had a journey (not unlike this one) to find a proper diagnosis, and I was eventually (10 years later) diagnosed with the AV block/tachycardia. I do not require medication, but the possibility of an ablation is open to me should I decide to have one.

If you have a clotting issue, it can affect the heart issue. So I think the focus should be on 'what' caused that TIA/stroke. So you should get the aCL blood test done for sure...along with the lupus anticoagulant, protein C & protein S, PTT, and various other clotting factors. Has the temp vision loss, facial paralysis, etc happened more then that once? If so, how many times? This TIA/stroke cannot be ignored...so I'm glad you're taking the aspirin. Has it occurred again since you started the aspirin?

I had the eye droop a few times since the TIA. I went to the ER one time, but they determined I had not had a stroke. They called it "possible early Bell's Palsy" even though my facial symptoms had resolved before I was released later that day. I will look into the clotting disorders, and mention this at my next visit. Luckily, I have not gone blind like I did with the TIA, but I still experience dizzy spells and blurry vision. I have gotten glasses about a month ago, and while they help, I am still uncomfortabledriving long distances or at night.

Once you get some basic labs done, then hopefully the results will give a direction to follow. This is not necessarily a fast process and takes some patience.