Patient receives life-saving care during series of strokes
My name is Margaret. I’m a 43 year old mother of two, and I’ve had two strokes.
On July 2, 2008, I was watching TV with my husband when my vision became blurry and I started losing focus. I went to bed sure that I would be fine in the morning. On Tuesday while at work, I felt disoriented. My mind kept wandering and my hands just didn’t seem to do what I wanted them to. They started feeling numb but I was sure that it would pass. But, the following morning, I couldn’t get out of bed – each and every limb was heavy and my speech was slurred. My husband took me to the urgent care center where, upon diagnosis, they told me to get to the ER.
At Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, I was greeted by Dr. Jonathan Hodgson, the Medical Director for their Stroke Center. He asked many questions and ordered a series of tests to confirm what I believe he already knew. I had suffered a series of strokes over the past two days and it was determined that there was an 80 percent blockage in my carotid artery and surgery was imminent. Over several weeks and months, I saw improvement. My stuttering reduced, my memory returned and the heaviness in my limbs was gone. Life was returning to normal and I was thankful to be alive.
On July 2 of 2009 and 2010, we celebrated my return to health. Then, on July 14, 2010, at 9 p.m. as I sat at my computer, I again experienced blurred vision. My husband immediately insisted we go to the ER. Upon arrival, my body was limp and I could barely speak. I was terrified. The ER staff began to work and Dr. Hodgson quickly assessed the onset of the symptoms. He wanted to administer TPA and had a short window it which it could be done. I agreed and the TPA was administered. By 1 a.m., my speech had improved and the heaviness was gone from my arms and legs. I could not believe how quickly the TPA reduced my recovery time from weeks and months to only hours.
I was hospitalized for a week and appreciate each and every member of Mercy Gilbert’s care team for the compassionate care provided to me and my family. Everyone was awesome and made me feel as though I was the hospital’s only patient.
I’m thankful to be alive and happy to share my stroke experiences. I want everyone to know the importance of recognizing the warning signs of a stroke. TPA works when administered quickly, and I’m thankful to Dr. Hodgson and the entire staff at Mercy Gilbert. We are fortunate and privileged to have such quality healthcare in our community.
