August 1, 2007 started out like any other day at the office with one very large exception: While seated at my desk, when I reached for my cup of coffee, my left arm was acting like it belonged to another person. One of my co-workers noticed that I didn't seem to acting normally and asked me if I was OK? When I replied 'no', the next thing that I remember is my superior standing next to me with EMS at my feet asking me questions.
I didn't remember much more until I arrived at MetroHealth and a "flock of angels" dressed in scrubs descended upon me. Not much time had passed before it was determined that I had experienced an Acute Ischemic Stroke. And in a short period of time they administered a drug called t-PA, a clot buster.
As is evident today, the life saving sequence of events following my stroke were critical to my recovery. From the first responders to the emergency room "angels", I am now completely recovered with no physical evidence of a stroke. Thank God for my "Angels"!!
And for the excellent care that I received at Metro!!
Dick Gerrick