Anything Can Happen Within A Blink of An Eye

I went to a small Baptist church in Houston, Texas . I remember the deacons in my church would recite “Thank you Lord for another day. The activity of my limbs, clothed in my right mind” doing devotion as a child.  

When you been through all I been through, prayer has an entire knew meaning.

Have you ever gone to bed one night walking and talking and the next you not?! 

I felt I woke up and it was all a bad dream, I thought it was nightmare where I was wearing depends, in wheelchair, using a walker and than a cane. I realized this was not a dream but a reality.  I had to depend on others for things we take for granted like going to the restroom,  bathing ourselves,  tying our shoes or even dressing ourselves. 

I know you are asking what happen?

I am so glad you ask.

I suffered from mini strokes and mild heart attacks.

My mom would Always say, “baby it’s going to be okay”, but in back of my mind I was thinking I am not the same, and asked her “Mom, what if don’t ever be the Gwen you use to know; You know the one that remembered everybody name and birthday.” To be honest,  I wanted to tell her I have not felt okay in a mighty long time, so much has change since my strokes and heart attacks. It is alot of things I don’t remember.  I get so frustrated.  I use to be pretty good at my job. I was case manager, but now I have trouble remembering to even turn the stove off, lock the door or even retrieving the clothes from the dryer if I try to go wash.

Please pay attention and know the signs of stroke:

Remember, Recognize and Act F.A.S.T.

F- Face Drooping

A-Arm Weakness

S- Speech Difficulties 

T- Time to Call

Common Heart Attack Warning Signs:

1. Pain or discomfort in chest

2. Dizzy, nausea, or vomiting 

3. Jaw, neck or back pain

4. Discomfort or pain in arm or shoulder 

5. Shortness of Breath.

I know what you are thinking?

Nope! I didn’t Have high blood pressure 

Nope! I was not overweight 

Nope ! I didn’t have diabetes 

My mini strokes/ mild heart attacks was due to being severely dehydrated from chemotherapy. 

Yes! You can suffer heart attack and stroke from being dehydrated!

Please, drink water- it’s cheaper than therapy. Water is not just for quenching your thirst. Most importantly it keeps organs functioning properly. It’s scary feeling when you know something is going on with your body, but you can’t find the words or even pronounce the words to explain to your medical team due to the symptoms of the stroke. I thank God for having great doctors that sent me to inpatient hospital in Humble, Texas for therapy at Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital;  Then, left there and went to outpatient for 1 year at Centre for Neuro Skills in Webster, Texas. They gave me hope again and put me back the best way they could and saved my life. I met great people there and I now have a great support group whom I talk to everyday . I am learning new things about the new Gwen everyday. I love her strength and she’s grateful for life and the little things we take for granted.

Stay Hydrated!!!!

Gwendolyn Jackson