Sunday, June 20, 2010

For those of you who may not have heard...


I had a stroke on Thursday June 17th. I woke up about 6am with the kids, normal day-everything was fine. We ate breakfast-I went to the bathroom..and then came the symptoms..about 7:40am or so..My symptoms were drooling (just 1 thin drool-but it took me a few seconds to figure out what as going on), I could feel my tongue was numb and Eric said it was the left side of my face, my left hand wasn't responding like normal and I felt a little light headed but thought I as just dehydrated. I was able to tell Eric I had just eaten Breakfast and he thought I was having an allergic reaction--but when we went in to the Urgent Care center they informed us, based on my symptoms I need tests that they don't offer there. That they are going to notify the ER that we're coming in and that I'll most likely need a CAT-Scan.

Eric and the kids spent about 2.5 hours in the waiting room-bless their hearts..so nice-I was so out of it-time meant NOTHING to me, all the drugs I was getting. I got an MRI, CAT-Scan,EKG and an ultrasound for my heart.

Apparently I've got an open valve between the left and right part of my heart that supposedly about 20% of the people that live in the United States have-it's supposed to be open in the whom but seal after birth. This opening is called a PFO..so at just the exact wrong moment a blood clot went through the valve and into my brain. The chances are crazy you know something like 1 in a million.

At this point I'm still waiting blood work to see if my blood most likely caused the clot on its own or if it's more likely a side effect of my birth control. I think they'll never know what really happened--the good thing is I'm better because Eric rushed me in-I was treated and don't have any affects of the stroke.

Also if I do get the valve fixed-it's not major open heart surgery it's a much simpler 1 day in, same day out procedure-but at this point we don't know if we'll get it sealed or not.

My cholesterol is okay for a regular person, but because I've had a stroke it's now considered high-so I'm currently on meds for that..hopefully down the road I'll be able to change my diet and not take medication for it-but again not something I'm going to deal with at this time. I've got to take an Asprin a day-to thin my blood as well. I have to check in with the doctor in the next few days-and at that point I'll hear the blood results and all that.

Right now there is no immediate concerns. I'm happy to be home and healthy!
I'm very, very grateful for family and friends to help us in this time of need! Everybody has been wonderful and there's much more giving and service coming which is so wonderful-I don't have the words to express how I feel and the love I have felt--thanks to all--even if it's thoughts and prayers I am very grateful--
Love to all!

7 comments:

lmyrup said...

What a scare! So glad you are home and feeling better. See you soon!

The Peterson Family said...

Glad you're back home! And it was nice to chat with you the other day, though it shouldn't take a hospital visit to have it happen again:) Hope you can take it easy for the next little while with Mom and Dad there - again, right?
Love you tons.

Brandon, Kandra, Sydnee, Dawson and Emery Plott said...

Kerry I am so sorry that you went through all that. I am also so grateful that you are ok and feeling better. That is really scary especially with you being so young. You are such a great example to me with your positve attitude. You will be in prayers and thoughts! I miss you and need to come and see you when we actually make it up to IF. Let me know if there is anything that I can do for you!

Annie said...

Kerri-

That is so scary!!! I found out on Saturday night and couldn't believe it...I am so glad that you are alright and fully recovering.

Let me know if you need anything or if you want to get together. I should be around for a few weeks now.

Becky Tuft said...

I just heard about what happened at playgroup today. As soon as I got home I had to get online and let you know that you're in our prayers and that if you ever need anything, we're only a phone call away. Get better soon.

Jessica said...

I was so glad you kept me updated through the whole thing. Thanks! You were really sweet to think of me when you were the one dealing with all this. I am very happy all is well and you are recovering well. We have been praying for you. I wish I was closer so I could help more, but I sure love you!

Dena said...

Oh my heavens! I am so glad that you are at home and okay. What a scary thing to have happen! I will keep you in my prayers. Hopefully everything works out well for you.