Real Miracles, Healing Stories
Tom Jones—Life Interrupted 
Often stokes provide early warning symptoms such as sudden numbness or weakness of the face or limbs, trouble speaking, vision problems or dizziness. But in Tom Jones’ case, there were no such warnings; and in an instant his life changed dramatically. So why does he consider himself “lucky”?
In the past several years, medical advancements have given victims a fighting chance to survive a stroke and to minimize permanent disabilities. However, because of the nature of strokes, these lifesaving weapons are only useful within minutes of a stroke occurrence. Tom’s story underscores the value of quick action and prepared medical response.
LIFE INTERUPTED
In March of 2007, Tom Jones’ life was interrupted
by an ischemic
stroke - a blockage of blood vessel in the brain. His life had been
rolling along smoothly as a 41 year old customer service agent. At 6’2” and
180 pounds, healthy, good looking and single, he was enjoying life. He was
going about his normal routine of getting ready for work one morning, when
without warning, his body suddenly went limp and he collapsed on the bathroom
floor. Tom was awake and alert, but when he tried to get up his left arm and
left leg would not respond. Stunned and in disbelief, all he could do was lay
there.
Tom’s roommate heard Tom hit the floor and rushed to check it out. He saw Tom crumpled on the floor and he asked if he was okay. Tom tried to respond but he couldn’t speak. Grasping the severity of the situation, the roommate instantly called 911 - a quick reaction that may have saved Tom’s life.
BEAT THE CLOCK
The paramedics’ response was rapid, and they reached Tom in a matter
of minutes. Tom’s symptoms instantly told them they were dealing with
a stroke victim; this was a medical emergency and they knew they were in a
race against the clock.
As Tom was rushed to Saint Alphonsus Emergency Department, an advance call alerted the acute stroke team lead by Hansel Ashby, MD. The team was ready and standing by when Tom arrived and quickly went to work. With a flurry of activity going on around him, but unable to speak, Tom could only watch in disbelief. He kept saying to himself, “this really can’t be happening to me. There must be something else happening…I can’t be having a stroke!”
With the clock ticking, a CT angiogram was performed on Tom’s brain. The imaging scan revealed the problem, and located the blockage in Tom’s brain. The clot was in a large artery on the right side of his brain, preventing blood and oxygen from reaching a large section of the brain. Oxygen starved cells were dying. As the severity of the stroke was revealed, so was the risk of cerebral swelling which could have fatal consequences.
Armed with the information, Neurologist, Dr. Barbara Bess and interventional neuroradiologist, Dr. William Taylor, agreed on the course of action, MERCI clot retrieval. Dr. Taylor along with interventional neuroradiologist Dr. Dallas Peck would perform this breakthrough procedure - only possible within the last two years. A tiny wire was guided through Tom’s artery where a micro-sized, cork-screw shaped device, grabbed and removed the clot, allowing blood to flow again and ending the immediate danger.
BACK TO BASICS
For the next six weeks Tom remained at Saint Alphonsus re-learning to speak
and walk and move his arms. Speech therapy, occupational therapy and physical
therapy occupied his days. His recovery was faster than normal, due in part
to his age and otherwise good physical condition. The gravity of his situation
took an emotional toll on Tom and he struggled with depression - not uncommon
for stroke survivors. But frequent visits from family and friends helped
raise his spirit during those first, crucial, challenging weeks.
Therapy helped Tom slowly regain most of his speech ability and movement in his left leg. Though his left arm was not responding as quickly, Tom could now stand for brief periods. So, 20 pounds lighter, and with the assistance of an ankle brace and cane, Tom left the hospital ready to face the challenge of regaining his life.
LONG AND WINDING ROAD
Unable to live without assistance, Tom would live with
his parents for a while. Though grateful for his parents’ support, losing independence was an
added emotional blow. But Tom knew continued recovery and the road back to
his old life would require patience and determination – as well as
ongoing outpatient therapy at Saint Alphonsus Rehabilitation Services (STARS).
At STARS, Tom found a new source of support and motivation - his therapists, Betsy and Connie. Their strong coaching and positive attitude has helped Tom push himself to new milestones in his recovery. Tom’s progress has him ready to live on his own again, along with plans of returning to work in December.
FORTUNE IS FOUND IN MISFORTUNE
So why does Tom feel lucky? Tom’s ongoing recovery would most certainly
be more difficult without skilled, determined therapists and supportive parents.
He knows the damage caused by the stroke would have been more destructive and
potentially fatal had his roommate not been there to quickly call 911. The
paramedics’ knowledge of stroke symptoms allowed them to alert the highly
trained, acute stroke team at Saint Alphonsus who were prepared to treat Tom
at the moment of his arrival.