Howa stroke at the age 32 almost tookmy life
They say it takes a life- changing event or a frank conversation with your doctor before you truly pursue a healthy lifestyle through diet and movement. For me, this was the case.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists stroke as the fifth leading cause of death and a major cause of disability in the country. A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is obstructed, depriving brain cells of the oxygen needed to survive. As a result, brain cells begin to die within a matter of minutes, causing irreversible brain damage, long-term disability or death. Approximately 795,000 Americans suffer a stroke each year; every 40 seconds someone has a stroke.
Hi, I’m Kelly, and I’m going to be uncomfortably honest and real with you in sharing my story because what happened to me could happen to anyone. When my stroke was happening, I didn’t dial 9-1-1. I didn’t call my doctor. I didn’t know I was having a stroke.
I’m a native Houstonian, a wife and mother of two doing the best I can and trying to make the most of my second chance. I might be scattered, but I am giving it my all in this adulting life.
On a Sunday morning in June 2010, I woke up with a slight pain in the back of my neck, I made my way to the closet to put on my pajama pants, and as I began to lift my leg, I started leaning to my left side. Making my way to the sink, I was feeling dizzy. If felt pressure in my chest. I began to feel the sensation of spinning violently as I attempted to focus on my face in the bathroom mirror. Seeing my distorted reflection, I fell to the ground and yelled for my husband.
I later found out that my efforts to yell did no good — my voice was not casting.
At that time, I was an exhausted mom of a toddler boy, a busy wife who carried more than 260 pounds on my 5-foot-5 frame. I was a casual smoker. To top it off, I had a stressful job. I honestly felt like I didn’t have time to go to the ER, partly because moms take care of everyone except ourselves. I also have Latina roots and grew up with the belief that aspirin will cure everything. So I took over-the- counter medicine, suffered and slept.
The next day, my husband urged me to call the doctor. When I told him my neck pain was hindering me from lifting my head, he ordered tests, which revealed I had had a stroke, a rare spontaneous vertebral artery tear.
After a week in ICU and 11 months of intense recovery efforts and medications, doctors rescanned my brain and neck. I got the news that I could start my new wellness journey. I was told to get my body moving and to eat healthily.
“OK,” I said, not knowing what was in store.
I was prescribed two minutes on the treadmill, and in six months time, my treadmill was no longer a clothes hanger. It was my path to freedom.
This led to my first 5K and six half-marathons over the years.
Depression and anxiety are real; survivors’ guilt and rebellion are also a part of my journey. I gave up cigarettes. I started lifting weights and fell in love with CrossFit, which helped my depression and anxiety and still does today.
I studied clean eating and learned how to cook. I started searching for healthy places to eat in Houston. I found local active events for my family. And I yearned to find a community of healthconscious moms, families and friends.
Which brings us here together. In the nine years since my stroke, I have been looking for a source of not only stroke awareness but also information on Houston establishments and people who promote health, promote moving your body and provide family options for health.
The greatest gift you have is your health, and I hope I can inspire you in your journey.