What is your stroke story?
I had a stroke in August 2025. I was in my early 40s and never imagined it would happen to me. The day started normally. After taking my dog to the vet because of a bee sting, I came home feeling that something wasn’t right. I needed to sit down after the drive. When I tried to get some Advil, I fell to the floor and couldn’t get back up. My young son found me and tried to help, but my hands wouldn’t work well enough to open the bottle. My wife quickly called 911, and I am grateful for her acting so quickly and not listening to my "I think I am okay" remarks. The paramedics arrived quickly and carried out the standard stroke assessments. I seemingly passed them all, my blood pressure was normal, and there were no obvious signs of what was happening. Despite that, I was confused and had an intense headache. Because I could still answer many of their questions, I was taken to the nearest hospital. At the hospital, the initial diagnosis was a migraine. A CT scan showed sinusitis, and it wasn’t until an MRI a month later that the stroke was confirmed. It was eventually determined that the stroke had been caused by a blood clot passing through a previously undetected PFO (patent foramen ovale). What followed were months of tests and appointments with neurologists, cardiologists, hematologists, my primary care physician, and other specialists. I underwent MRIs, angiograms, nerve testing, blood work, and countless evaluations as the original diagnosis was overturned. It was an overwhelming experience for me and my family, trying to make sense of something we never expected to happen. I am still trying to find my feet. Returning to work has been one of the biggest challenges. My career has been spent behind a computer in the technology field, something that has provided both enjoyment and a strong sense of identity. Today, spending extended time in front of a screen triggers migraines and nausea. It is a reality I am still grappling with.
Is there anything you would like to say to healthcare professionals?
One of the hardest parts was feeling that the seriousness of what was happening wasn’t fully recognized at the hospital. It was initially treated as a migraine, and when we asked about a CT scan, there was hesitation before it was performed. We had to push for one, while being made to feel it was unnecessary. Since then, my neurologist has been incredibly supportive throughout my recovery. One thing I’ve learned is that stroke care often involves many different specialists, each looking at one piece of the puzzle. Some experiences have been excellent, while others have been more difficult, but having someone who looks at the whole picture is both important and hard to find. The waiting has also been one of the hardest parts. Appointments are often weeks or months apart, and progress can feel like it moves incredibly slowly. Yet somehow, while you’re waiting for the next test, the next specialist, or the next answer, time itself seems to rush by.
Is there anything you would like to say to family, friends, carepartners, or the wider community?
A stroke doesn’t just affect the person who has it. It changes relationships, conversations, confidence, and the way you move through the world. People who know you’ve had a stroke often aren’t sure how to treat you, while people who don’t know can leave you feeling like you’re carrying something invisible. It has completely changed how I look at life. I’m getting better, but my priorities have shifted. The most important thing to me is my family. My biggest goal now is to keep improving so they can have a dad they can be proud of. Meeting other survivors has also reminded me how different every stroke can be. Some people are living with aphasia, others with significant physical disabilities, and many face challenges that aren’t immediately visible. Their stories have given me perspective. They remind me to be grateful for where I am today while remaining hopeful for what comes next.