Out of Nowhere
Working as a Legal Assistant at a prestigious law firm is no small task, but I was confident. On this particular morning, Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024, I was feeling especially empowered. It was early in the day, and I had accomplished much already. Just before noon, I took a bathroom break. I remember looking in the mirror and saying to myself, “You are killing it!”
Back at my desk, BOOM! Out of nowhere, I was hit on the left side of my head with the most excruciating headache pain I’ve ever felt. I have experienced two or three legitimate migraines throughout my life and was convinced that’s what was happening. Just a migraine, albeit the worst one yet.
The pain was intense. I rested my head on my desk. My body felt weak. I tried to stand up, but nausea sat me back down. I knew I was in trouble. I called my son, Dylan, at work. I explained what was happening, and he was on his way. I then called a coworker. She immediately came to my desk to help. She and another coworker wheeled me down to the lobby in my office chair. I was holding a plastic grocery bag in my hand in case I got sick.
I remember feeling so embarrassed to have people see me in that weakened state. I am a strong and mighty Leo, and having people see me so vulnerable and ill was difficult.
When Dylan arrived, I was able to get into the car, but as soon as I was seated, I vomited profusely into the plastic bag. He asked if we should go to the ER, and I said no, still convinced it was a migraine.
As soon as I walked into my house, I changed clothes and fell into bed. Dylan had to get back to work ASAP. My daughter, Dakota, was out of town, so I was home alone for a few hours. I did not sleep, but I rested. After a few hours, I Googled the difference between migraine and stroke symptoms. One of the key symptoms of stroke is “the worst headache pain that hits you out of nowhere.” WHOA. When Dylan got home, we decided to go to the ER to rule out anything bad or dangerous.
Upon arrival, my blood pressure was quite elevated. They took me back for a CAT scan, then immediately into a room. That’s when my world changed forever. “YOU HAVE BLEEDING IN YOUR BRAIN.” Dread washed over me. I looked at Dylan and told him to start calling family.
After four days in the ICU, for a total of two weeks in the hospital, this is what I know. I had a hemorrhagic stroke in my cerebellum. It was not caused by high blood pressure. It was not an aneurysm. There is more testing to be done, but at this point, it looks like a fluke. A random blood vessel burst for no apparent reason. “Resume life as before” is the directive. But trauma changes you, and this experience has changed me. I feel different. No longer formidable.
Strokes can happen to anyone, not just the elderly. I’m only 54 years old. I’m fortunate to not have any lasting effects of stroke. However, 26% of people who suffer the same type of stroke that I did, don’t even survive. I count myself very lucky.
Strokes are not to be taken lightly. Take extreme headache pain very seriously. It could very well save your life. Deciding to rule out “anything bad or dangerous” is what saved mine.
The CDC lists the following as stroke signs and symptoms:
• Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding speech.
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or lack of coordination.
• Sudden severe headache with no known cause.
According to the CDC, the stroke treatments that work best are available only if the stroke is recognized and diagnosed within 3 hours of the first symptoms. Stroke patients may not be eligible for these if they don’t arrive at the hospital in time.
If you think someone may be having a stroke, act F.A.S.T. and do the following test:
F — Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
A — Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S — Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is the speech slurred or strange?
T — Time: If you see any of these signs, call 9-1-1 right away.
Note the time when any symptoms first appear. This information helps health care providers determine the best treatment for each person.
Do not drive to the hospital or let someone else drive you. Call 9-1-1 for an ambulance so that medical personnel can begin life-saving treatment on the way to the emergency room.