Pam called her brother Bill, knowing he could get me to the optometrist sooner than she could. Not only is Bill one of the first-hand eyewitnesses and the one commenting on my previous blog entry reminding me to blog about some of the disorientation I exhibited, he’s also the bestest brother-in-law I have (aww, shucks).
Bill reported that I said at least two bizarre things:
“Why are we going to the church?”
Of course we weren’t going to the church, but in my defense, First Covenant is just a block away from Dr. Gerard’s office, so maybe I was recognizing street landmarks. However, I do remember seeing the streets from a different perspective. I can’t explain it other than to say the route we took seemed to be “different,” as if seeing a city for the first time.
“I don’t think I’ve had a stroke because I don’t have any headaches.”
Bill says I said that in the car, but I don’t remember saying that. In hindsight, it’s a wonder that the topic of a stroke even entered my mind. Was part of my mind already aware of a stroke and was another part of my mind in denial? Was I misinformed about the signs of stroke? That’s a nice segue to…
Time for a quiz – What are the signs of a stroke?
Have you seen that internet email junk going around that gives three questions to ask someone who might be having a stroke? Although it’s somewhat accurate, let’s get past those three questions. Instead, here’s your first quiz:
1. What are five major signs of a stroke? (Go ahead. Name any one of them.)
2. What’s the difference between an ischemic stroke and a hemorrhagic stroke?
If you can’t answer those, what chance do you have of surviving the 3rd leading cause of death in the US, as I just did?
Now check your answers against the CDC’s answers (that’s the Dept of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) linked below. While you’re looking up the five major signs and learning the difference between ischemic and hemorrhagic, I’ll continue working on the next blog post.
By the way, I remember Bill telling me he was walking me into the optometrist’s office because he didn’t want me walking into “Three Day Blinds” by mistake, with a grin on his face. Bill, that’s a play on words I wish I could take credit for.
CDC article: Know the Signs and Symptoms of a Stroke
to be continued….
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"geeWHIZ" 
Andy, very interesting about the different types of strokes. As you may remember, my daughter Samantha (age 21) had a “bleeding stroke” a little over a year ago. A vessel in her head broke and caused a severe headache, slurred speech and heavy limbs. So one thing we do know it is not based on age. The doctors still don’t really know why, but with the grace of God she completely recovered. Some anxiety whenever she gets a headache, but this too shall pass. My point being is that you are also one of those walking miracles. Just to let you know you are in our prayers. Sure makes you realize how precious our lives are! Take care of yourself and don’t push yourself too much. Enjoy the holidays!
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