I’ve just passed the anniversary of my first transient ischaemic attack.

I was on my way to my birthday lunch when my speech turned into gobbledegook. My daughter asked if I was having a stroke. I nodded, and we diverted to Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital (SCGH).

The ED was packed. At reception, I was able to provide my details and decline to activate my private health insurance.

A triage nurse checked my vital signs. Although normally normotensive, my blood pressure was 220/130.