Stroke Awareness Month: Kirsten’s Journey to Recovery

June is Stroke Awareness Month, a crucial time for us at Joseph Brant Hospital (JBH) to focus on the importance of stroke awareness, prevention, and recovery. This month, we highlight the inspiring journey of one of our patients, Kirsten, whose story underscores the impact of quick medical response and dedicated rehabilitation efforts.

Kirsten was in the kitchen, looking into the fridge when her life took a sudden turn. She collapsed to the floor, her knees weak and unable to support her. Her husband rushed to her side, alarmed to find her speaking gibberish. Recognizing the signs of a stroke, he quickly called 911.

"I’m so grateful he didn’t hesitate," Kirsten recalls. "His quick action made all the difference."

Initially, Kirsten was taken to JBH, where she received thrombolysis to dissolve the clot. She was then transferred to Hamilton General Hospital for a thrombectomy, a procedure to physically remove the clot. After the successful clot retrieval, Kirsten was brought back to JBH and admitted to the Stroke Rehab Unit.

"The rehab department – love them, love them, love them!" The entire team supported her and worked towards her goals. They provided her with exercises to do in her room, ensuring she could continue working on her recovery independently.

"The rehab team kept encouraging me to go to the Wellness House. They said I would thrive there, and they were right."

At the Wellness House, Kirsten found a nurturing environment through her engagement with occupational therapy, physiotherapy and recreation therapy. "It’s something about this atmosphere. I feel like I’ve been lifted up." She also continues outpatient speech therapy weekly via Zoom through the JBH Ambulatory Care Clinic.

Kirsten’s greatest achievement has been regaining the ability to do what she loves. Before her stroke, she was very active, enjoying golf, travelling, gardening, baking, and spending time with friends and family. "Getting back to playing bridge with my friends and gardening are huge milestones for me," she says.

Kirsten, previously healthy, now takes proactive steps to manage her stroke risk factors. "I try to stay positive every day," Kirsten says. Kirsten emphasizes her proactive approach to managing modifiable risk factors for secondary stroke prevention. She initiated changes in her lifestyle which included being prescribed blood thinners and anti-cholesterol supplements, adopting a sensible diet, and maintaining awareness of her overall health.

Kirsten expresses gratitude for her son Michael, who traveled from Vancouver to make their home safer by installing handlebars and outdoor rails, easing Kirsten's transition back home. Additionally, Kirsten gives thanks to her daughter Marlene, an occupational therapist with her own business in Toronto, who has also been an invaluable support system throughout Kirsten's journey. Despite her busy schedule, Marlene has taken on the role of Kirsten's case manager, accompanying her to numerous appointments and ensuring her needs are met following her stroke. The love and support from both Marlene and Michael have been essential in uplifting Kirsten's spirits during this challenging time. Kirsten remains diligent in monitoring her health, regularly consulting with her family doctor to manage her blood pressure and attending follow-ups at the Stroke Prevention Clinic.