Before the Storm
Tuesday, October 9, 2018, was the day my life changed forever. What began as an ordinary morning quickly spiraled into a terrifying health crisis. It marked the start of my stroke survivor story. I woke up feeling exhausted. We were in the middle of moving and had just a few weeks left to finish packing. There was still one more week of work ahead, so I dragged myself out of bed. Instantly, I was hit by an intense headache. It lasted only a few seconds, but it left me shaken. I assumed it was just from the stress of the move.
Life Before the Stroke
Life before the stroke was hectic. I was balancing work commitments. I was also managing family responsibilities and the overwhelming task of moving to a new home in another state. Despite the chaos, I had hopes and dreams for the future. For example, I looked forward to settling into our new house and starting fresh. However, beneath the surface, I was emotionally drained and weighed down by responsibility.
Warning Signs Dangerously Ignored
Soon the headaches were becoming more frequent and intense. The sunlight felt excruciating, and all I wanted to do was crawl back under the covers and close my eyes. Still, I pushed through and left for work. Thankfully, I did, because if I had stayed home, it would have been my death sentence.
Once I arrived at the office, my heart began to race. Thunderclap headaches — sharp, debilitating bursts of pain — stopped me in my tracks. According to Mayo Clinic, sudden severe headaches can be a warning sign of stroke.
Concentration became impossible, and an intense buzzing filled my ears with every wave of pain. The sensation was unlike anything I had ever felt, and I was terrified. Even so, I tried to push through the day.
The Moment Everything Changed
Feeling nauseous and dizzy, I made my way to the bathroom. My office was in an old Victorian building, and the single-use bathroom was down a long hallway. While fumbling for my phone to call my husband, I collapsed.
My right leg turned to jelly, and my right arm went completely limp. In that moment, I knew I was having a stroke. A wave of disbelief hit me — I was only in my 40s. Strokes happened to other people, not to me. But denial wouldn’t save me; instinct took over.
The only problem was the heavy fire door in front of me — it opened inward. Somehow, by sheer will, I managed to scoot my way to the door. Inch by inch, until I finally forced it open.
Fighting to Survive
Processing what was happening felt impossible. It was my first real fight-or-flight experience, yet an eerie calm washed over me. Instead of panicking, logic took over where emotion might have. I knew my only chance of survival was to reach my boss’s office as quickly as I could.
Using only my left arm, I dragged myself out of the bathroom and into the hall. The hallway seemed endless, and each inch I covered felt like a monumental achievement. At last, I reached my boss’s office and pounded on the door. Thankfully, she answered right away and immediately called 911.
When the ambulance arrived, I kept repeating, “Something is wrong, please help.” That ride to the hospital felt like an eternity. The sirens blared loudly. The bumps in the road, and the paramedics’ urgent voices — all blurred into a haze of fear and pain.
Halfway there, the paramedic riding with me couldn’t get an IV inserted. As a result, he urgently informed the driver about my rapidly declining vitals. The driver radioed the hospital, upgrading my status to a higher priority code. At that point, I truly thought I wasn’t going to survive.
The Critical Fight for Survival in the Hospital
In the emergency room, I was immediately surrounded by nurses and machines. The last thing I remember was a nurse whispering, “I’m going to take good care of you.” It wasn’t until November that I woke up again.
Doctors placed me in a medically induced coma after I arrived at my local hospital. Shortly after, I was airlifted to the nearest neurosurgeon who would save my life.
Waking to a New Reality
When I finally woke, I learned that I had suffered a left-sided subarachnoid hemorrhage (bleeding in the space around the brain). A left frontoparietal hematoma (blood collects between the brain and its outer covering). And a left lateral intraventricular hemorrhage (blood accumulates in the brain).
The surgeons performed a craniotomy, a type of brain surgery. They temporarily remove a piece of the skull to access the brain. This was to evacuate the bleeding. It was also so they could insert an external ventricular drain (EVD). This temporary tube in the brain is used to drain the fluid for hydrocephalus. In addition, I needed a tracheostomy. This is a hole in the neck to help you breath due to respiratory failure. I also needed a feeding tube because of aspiration pneumonia.
Life Between Reality and the Coma
Those early days were filled with confusion and fear. It took months to untangle what had really happened from what I had experienced in the coma. In that dreamlike state, I believed I had been in a car accident with several people. I thought everyone had abandoned me in the hospital. The terror of that imagined reality still lingers. (I’ll share more about that experience in another post.)
Meanwhile, I struggled to comprehend what had actually happened and what the future will hold. Simple tasks we often take for granted — breathing, eating, speaking — suddenly became monumental challenges. Each movement required immense effort and determination. Relearning everything from scratch felt overwhelming.
The Challenging Road to Recovery
No one could predict what my recovery would look like. However, I made two promises to myself. I would never give up, no matter how hard it got. I would maintain a positive outlook throughout the journey. The road ahead would be difficult, but I was determined to face it head-on.
Faith, Family, and Forward Motion
Physical therapy quickly became my new routine. Hours each day were spent relearning how to walk, talk, and perform basic tasks. Every small victory felt like climbing a mountain.
At the same time, the support of my family and healthcare team was crucial. They celebrated each milestone — no matter how small — and encouraged me to keep pushing forward. I still remember the first time I took a step without assistance. It may have been small, but it felt like conquering Everest.
Finding Strength in Community
During recovery, I met other stroke survivors who shared their stories of resilience and hope. Their courage inspired me to keep going. In fact, we formed bonds that reminded us none of us were truly alone. Healing wasn’t just physical — it was also emotional and spiritual. Together, we shared fears, triumphs, and hopes for the future. Those connections became a lifeline.
A New Purpose
It has been a long road, but I stand here stronger, more determined, and forever grateful. My healthcare team and family supported me through every setback and celebrated every victory. Recovery has not been easy, but perseverance, hard work, and faith carried me through.
Every step I take is proof that miracles happen when we refuse to give up.
Looking Forward
As I continue to heal, I am dedicated to helping others who face similar challenges. My experience has taught me the importance of resilience, community, and hope. By sharing my story, I hope to encourage others. They should never give up, no matter how difficult the road may seem.
Each day brings both challenges and opportunities. Therefore, I choose to embrace every moment, however hard, as a step toward becoming the person I want to be. Strength has come through vulnerability, hope through struggle, and purpose through pain. My journey is far from over. I face it with renewed spirit. I have an unshakable belief in my ability to overcome.
Let’s Connect!
Lessons Learned
- What important lessons have you learned from facing major health challenges?
- Have you or someone you know experienced a significant health event? How did it change your perspective?
Finding Strength
- How do you find resilience in difficult times?
- Are there quotes or mantras that help you stay strong?
- What strategies help you stay positive during tough moments?
Self-Care
- What self-care practices have supported you during recovery?
- How do you protect your mental and emotional well-being?
Impact on Relationships
- How have your relationships evolved through your health journey?
- What advice would you give to someone facing similar challenges?
- What role has your support network played in your healing?
Coping with Uncertainty
- How do you manage the uncertainty that comes with major health challenges?
- What advice would you give to someone struggling with the unknown?
Sharing Stories
- Do you believe sharing personal stories helps others on a similar journey?
- Have you ever connected with someone whose story mirrored your own? How did that impact you?
Gratitude
- What are you most grateful for, despite the challenges?
- How has practicing gratitude shaped your outlook?
Adapting to Change
- How have you adapted to the changes in your life after illness or trauma?
- What strategies helped you adjust to a “new normal”?
- How has your perspective shifted since your health event?
Celebrating Small Wins
- What small victories have you celebrated in your recovery?
- How do you stay motivated to keep moving forward?
Future Aspirations
- What are your hopes and dreams as you continue to heal?
- How do you plan to encourage others walking a similar path?
Future Topics
- What topics would you like to see covered in future posts?
- How can this blog support you in your journey?