There is nothing more frightening than seeing someone you love being rushed to the ER. My dad went to the ER last night and we found out earlier this evening that he had a stroke. He's in the critical ward in Dallas right now and nobody can stay with him. It was so sudden. He got a horrible headache out of nowhere on Sunday morning. We were all really concerned but he kept telling us that it was probably just a migraine.
He woke up on Monday morning and he still had the same headache. He also told us that his memories of the day before were like a dream. He could remember what was going on basically but his memories were, in a way, tainted. For example, he said that he remembered all of us sitting and talking but he also remembered us having ropes around us. That obviously never happened but, I guess it's good that he knew it wasn't right.
So, again, we all insisted that he go to the hospital and even threatened to call 911. He kept telling us that if he really thought it was something to worry about, he'd go. Unfortunately, this is a side effect of what was happening to him. Not thinking rationally. Last night is when we finally realized that he had no choice but to be seen. His confusion worsened and he starting vomiting. He was calling me the wrong name and saying things that didn't make any sense at all.
So, he went to the local hospital and they performed a CT scan. They found bleeding in the left side of his brain and decided to transfer him to the bigger hospital in Dallas. They've just recently done an MRI/MRA and said that he did in fact have a stroke but it wasn't too severe.
My reason for writing this is to inform anyone who reads it. If anyone close to you (or anyone at all for that matter) has any of the symptoms above (or listed below), call 911. You can never be too sure and it's better to be safe than sorry. We're all very lucky that it wasn't worse than it was and that he went to the hospital when he did.
If you notice one or more of these signs, don't wait. Stroke is a medical emergency. Call 9-1-1 or your emergency medical services. Get to a hospital right away! The American Stroke Association wants you to learn the warning signs of stroke:
Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
Sudden, severe headache with no known cause
Be prepared for an emergency.
Keep a list of emergency rescue service numbers next to the telephone and in your pocket, wallet or purse.
Find out which area hospitals are primary stroke centers that have 24-hour emergency stroke care.
Know (in advance) which hospital or medical facility is nearest your home or office.
Take action in an emergency.
Not all the warning signs occur in every stroke. Don't ignore signs of stroke, even if they go away!Check the time. When did the first warning sign or symptom start? You'll be asked this important question later.
If you have one or more stroke symptoms that last more than a few minutes, don't delay! Immediately call 9-1-1 or the emergency medical service (EMS) number so an ambulance (ideally with advanced life support) can quickly be sent for you.
If you're with someone who may be having stroke symptoms, immediately call 9-1-1 or the EMS. Expect the person to protest — denial is common. Don't take "no" for an answer. Insist on taking prompt action.For stroke information, call the American Stroke Association at 1-888-4-STROKE or visit their Web site.
via:
www.americanheart.org/presente…