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I stood there in the middle of my living room stuck in disbelief. Why was the entire right- side of my body numb? All I could think about was my husband and son coming home to find me dead.

According to the American Heart Association, about 2,300 Americans die of cardiovascular disease each day, an average of 1 death every 38 seconds. This claims more lives than all cancers combined. These are some scary numbers but what’s even more significant is the number of people who ignore the signs and symptoms of a stroke or heart attack.

As many as 1 in 3 people have signs of a mini-stroke, but sadly on 3 percent of those people take the recommended action. Instead of calling 911 right away, majority of people wait, rest, or take medicine. This of course puts you at higher risk for brain damage and even death. Your body is so unique that it gives off warning signals when there is trouble.

Early one Thursday morning as I was getting prepared for my normal work day I had an experience that would literally change my life. While I’m blessed to work from home, for some reason I was so drained and tired. I grabbed my tote bag to head out the door despite how tired I was feeling because I had multiple patients to meet.

I was really pushing myself because I knew I had so much work to do. As I walked to the door, I remember being stopped in the middle of my tracks with numbness down my right side. It started from the top of my head and slowly moved down my face, shoulder, arm, and hand. My lips started to twist, and I literally stood in the middle of the floor stuck. It was almost like I was stuck in time.

As my arm went numb my purse hit the floor, and I stood there thinking, “I know I’m not having a stroke”. I started praying asking God to please keep me and to not let me have a stroke and pass out. I never did lose feeling in my legs, so I walked into the bathroom to look in the mirror because my lips felt twisted. When I looked in the mirror my lips drooped slightly on the right.

As I stood there in the mirror and the feeling in my body started to return, I knew I could not ignore these symptoms. I knew regardless of it only lasting for minutes I had to get to the emergency room. I also know that time is a major factor in saving your life if you think you’re having a stroke. I have been in the healthcare industry as a registered nurse for almost 13 years and I know the signs and symptoms of a stroke but imagine all the people that don’t, and they ignore how they feel.

Stroke Symptoms

• numbness or weakness of face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body

• confusion, trouble speaking, or understanding

• trouble seeing in one or both eyes

• trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination

• severe headache with no known cause

That’s a lot to remember, so the American Heart Association has created a

simple acronym, F.A.S.T. That stands for:

• Face drooping

• Arm weakness

• Speech difficulty

• Time to call 911

After being admitted to the hospital for 3 days and receiving a ton of invasive tests I knew I could no longer ignore those small subtle signals that my body gave me like feeling tired and fatigued. The test didn’t confirm a major stroke, but the hospital did confirm a TIA (transit ischemic attack) better known as a mini-stroke. Our bodies give us warning signs when something is not right. It will alarm you to pay attention and to follow-up with your doctor.

Here are several common signals your body will give you that there is something else going on:

Tiredness or fatigue

Fatigue is a very common symptom but could alert you of an illness. Fatigue has a gradual onset and may not be noticed right away. If you experience constant fatigue, please don’t ignore it. This could be your body giving you a warning sign. Tiredness and fatigue could be a sign of low -blood levels, high blood sugars, and even low iron levels.

Headaches

Headaches are not normal, and if you experience frequent headaches please don’t ignore it. If you are having migraines, this could be a sign of something more. If the headaches are accompanied by nausea and vomiting seek medical attention. Headaches could be a sign of stroke, high blood pressure, or high blood sugars or dehydration.

Blurred Vision

If you suddenly start to experience blurred vision and objects are not clear, it’s time to seek medical attention. Blurred vision could be a sign of high blood pressure, high blood sugars or even a stroke.

Dizziness

Dizziness is not normal and should be investigated further. Dizziness could be the sign of multiple things including fluctuation in blood pressure levels, high blood sugars, stroke, heart attack or low blood levels.

These are just a few signals to pay attention too. Listen to your body because your body tells you when something isn’t right. The body speaks volume to us, the question being are we listening? Ignoring subtle signs could really be life or death. The quicker you get treated for a heart attack, stroke or any illness for that matter, the greater chance you have for survival.

Priscilla Q. Williams, RN: Author, Speaker, Certified Life Coach, Global Nurse Educator www.priscillaqwilliams.com