"A transient ischemic attack (abbreviated as TIA, often colloquially referred to as “mini stroke”) is caused by the changes in the blood supply to a particular area of the brain, resulting in brief neurologic dysfunction that persists, by definition, for less than 24 hours; if symptoms persist then it is categorized as a stroke. A cerebral infarct that lasts longer than 24 hours, but less than 72 hours is termed a reversible ischemic neurologic deficit or RIND. Symptoms vary widely from person to person, depending on the area of the brain involved. The most frequent symptoms include temporary loss of vision; difficulty speaking; weakness on one side of the body; and numbness or tingling, usually on one side of the body. Impairment of consciousness is very uncommon. There have been cases where there have been a temporary paralysis of a part of the face and the tongue." (Information from Wikipedia) I have had a at least one of these attacks during the past 10 years and last night I had at least one more. I started to feel "weird" on Sunday morning and by last night, I knew there was something wrong. These episodes can be quite scary, especially when you are the only one in the house, but being the survivor I am and the butt headed stubborn person I can be, I laid down and prayed, meditated until I could feel it easing off and then fell fast asleep as often is the case with a TIA mini stroke. I hear you all out there telling me to go to the doctor and to take better care of myself (which I am doing). I know the risks associated with this disorder and am well versed on the back ground, forecast, and prognosis. I hear you!!! I appreciate your concern. And while I appreciate your concern and love your friendship, I must be real with you. I am a working woman. I am a working woman who is trying to keep her job. I am a working woman who is trying to keep her job, who doesn't have health insurance. I am forced into a martyr role against my better judgement because the political powers that be decided that certain lives are more precious than others. I make too much for government supported health insurance, yet I do not make enough to purchase my own. My work does not participate in group health insurance. I can not afford to go to a doctor in the United States of America...what we call the "free world". And to me...that is just a fact of my life. It literally breaks my heart. Mr. Obama and the powers that be...does it break your heart as well? Sending "Just the facts of My Life" love to you all, Marlene