Suffering a Stroke

I previously only knew that stroke was some bad medical emergency.  Now I’ve learned a lot more.  My wife, Jeanie, and I were driving to our mountain place when I suddenly realized I had to stop driving and let her take over.  I don’t remember much after that since I was experiencing a brain attack (having a stroke) caused by one or several blood clots in the brain. 

Fortunately, Jeanie soon realized there was something serious going on:  I was not talking or perhaps just mumbling a bit; face pale and flaccid; eyes vacant….  She got me to an emergency clinic where they made a fast and accurate diagnosis; gave me a transfusion of blood thinner which was literally life-saving because it cleared the clot(s); then sent me on a “flight for life” helicopter ride over the mountains to St. Anthony’s Hospital in Denver.

I don’t remember anything (I was conscious but not aware) after asking her to drive.  Only time I ever rode a helicopter, and over Colorado’s magnificent “front range mountains”, and no awareness or memory of the trip.

The key to healing was the transfusion, but the folks at St. Anthony’s were really great – the neurologists and nurses in the ICU (including one student nurse from Regis’ nursing school which ranks first in Colorado). 

My next memory was waking in the hospital the next morning and seeing Jeanie and our daughter Anna sitting beside my bed.  And being able to listen and talk with them.  (What’s John without talking?)

Now I’m several days at home, feeling fine but exhausted, no longer able to drink any alcohol, and on 2 baby aspirins a day and 80 mg of atorvastatin to prevent further episodes. 

I write about this because I’ve learned that stroke comes after heart disease and ahead of cancer, especially in older folks (I’m now 82), as cause of serious illness and death. 

So I want to share an acronym you may already know:  Bfast.  Stands for balance, facial drooping, arms dangling, speech blurring – all clear symptoms of stroke.  And the final “t” is for “time” – seeking treatment within 3 or so hours makes all the difference.  I got treated 2-3 hours after the incident on the highway and, gratefully, am fine.  Jeanie’s the heroine for her quick action in getting me to the ER. 

So cut your drinking, check your BP, take moderate blood thinners (baby aspirin and others), and let something else kill you.

Happy trails.