Grateful My Stroke Symptoms Weren't Worse

It was a Sunday afternoon in October, and I was getting ready to join my friends at a local establishment in Battle Creek to watch the Detroit Lions football game. I felt weak after getting out of the shower, so I sat on my bed to gain strength. There was an abrupt loss of feeling in my arm and leg, which caused me to slip onto the floor. I couldn’t really speak either. Fortunately, I was able to get my girlfriend’s attention, and she called 9-1-1 right away.

The ambulance took me to Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo because of their certification as a Comprehensive Stroke Center. After the doctors determined it was an ischemic stroke, I was given a tPA (tissue plasminogen activator) to break down the blood clots in my system so my blood flow could return to normal.

Over the next 22 hours I suffered five mini stroke episodes where I experienced paralysis of my right leg and arm and loss of my ability to communicate. Thankfully, I was not showing any other symptoms. The neuroscience team monitored my condition for a few days, then I was cleared to go home. Now I see my Bronson team of doctors in Battle Creek for follow up appointments. I am thankful Bronson has office locations throughout our region, so I don’t have to travel far from home.

Overall, I am lucky my stroke symptoms were not worse, and I do not have any life-altering impairments. I am grateful for the exceptional care the Bronson neurosciences team provided. I am trying to take better care of my health and eat right so this does not happen again.