Spoiler alert: this lesson ends with a full recovery. In June my mother, Sito (Lebanese for grandmother) had a stroke. Fortunately, she lives with my sister and my nephew recognized the issue and took her immediately to the Cleveland Clinic. Literally in under 40 minutes from the time of the stroke, they had a shot of TPA (clot busting medicine) in her.
Heck, by the time my sister was able to call me and tell me what happened my mom was just about fully better. I drove home that weekend to see how she was doing and she was better than ever.
Couple of key lessons from this life experience:
- Modern medicine is at its best in acute care. They really perform at a high level and we are very grateful.
- Early intervention saves lives. If you have symptoms of a stroke or a heart attack DO NOT sleep it off or figure it can’t be happening. It can be. Early intervention saves not only lives but can give full resolution in many different ailments.
- On the way to the ER my sister shared with me that my mother kept saying, “Thank God, thank God, thank God.” How about that…remaining positive in times of misfortune helps your outcome. Gratitude helps set you in a positive healing state so in times of distress, keep your wits and it will help you rise above whatever challenges you face.
- Remember there is someone always someone who needs your help. When I asked my mom how she slept the first night she was out of the ICU, she said, “Not so good. My roommate is a hot mess.” So my mom was up all night waiting on her, because the nurses were too busy with other patients.
So let’s find the lessons: shit happens! If you keep your composure, act swiftly, and stay positive, great outcomes can be achieved!
Here is a link to my Stroke Protocol.