My stroke story. On Feb. 22, 2017, I was admitted to Central Baptist Hospital in Lexington, KY, for surgery ;by a gastroenterologist to have part of my colon removed, and my ovaries. My two daughters were with me, and while in recovery they noticed my face being drooped on one side and my speech being slurred,; they told nurses but no one listened to them. Evidently there had been an issue during surgery where my heart rate spiked rapidly and they called in their cardiologist, but it settled back down so no concern! I was released the next day with a follow up appointment with my family doctor! When told of my experience he ordered a ct scan and confirmed that I had had a stroke. He put me on Eloquis (a blood thinner) as well as Metoprolol, which I continue to take. My only problem resulting from that stroke was to my left side; I couldn’t write as well as I had( I’m left handed) and my left leg was weaker. I had PT locally twice per week and improved significantly .Then on October 7, 2018, a Sunday, I began vomitting which lasted all day! My daughter decided to take me to ER at Hazard ARH . They were not busy at all so immediately put me in a bed. M Later on the Doctor on call ordered a ct scan. After hours they finally came to get me for the procedure. He confirmed another stroke and ordered some meds. Next thing I knew it was Wednesday and I had never received any medication, nor heard from a doctor since Sunday. Both of my daughters were irate! They demanded I be released and took me to Kings Daughters Hospital in Ashland after calling ahead! Within ten minutes of my arrival they had determined what had happened, put me in a room, and began working on me! I couldn’t talk audibly and I was unable to swallow well. They said my stroke was in my brain stem. The following week I was put on a feeding tube, had numerous tests administered, and started on therapies. I failed the Barium Swallow test three times hence the feeding tube. I am also diabetic so I was put on glucerna for my feedings! By the next week they had transferred me to their rehab facility where I received my therapies until I was transferred to Cardinal Hill by request! From November 1 until December 2, I received the excellent care of Cardinal Hill and was released to go home. I had relearned to walk and talk but still could not swallow. I went to a follow up visit at UK Swallowing Clinic where I failed the Barium Swallow test yet again. They determined to dialate my esophagus which unfortunately didn’t help. I had to return for a super dialation shortly after. It barely made a difference but was their last resort! I have been able to swallow a little since then but have difficulty with many things. Speech therapy probably helped in exercising the muscles required as they are also used to swallow. My feeding tube came out one day on its own, so I now rely on swallowing my food and drink! Which brings me to today! My oldest daughter, single, left her job in Covington and moved in with me to help care for me. I also lost my driving privileges (my independence) so she has to take me wherever I need to go. It isn’t easy to schedule around her working hours! However, this social distancing has caused no appointments for anything so we just stay home! I am thankful the good Lord has brought me back this far and I pray daily for complete healing!