Recognizing signs of stroke can save lives

To the Editor,

Seeing the “Dear Abby” column titled “Recognizing the signs of stroke can save valuable time,” I felt it was necessary to bring this to everyone’s attention. We always see and hear the same signs of strokes but never hear the out-of-the-ordinary signs, and this is something I experienced 14 years ago. The emergency room doctor, Dr. White, recognized what was happening and sent me by life flight to Iowa Methodist Medical Center immediately.

Don’t forget these signs also, according to the column: “sudden nausea, fever and vomiting — distinguished from a viral illness by the speed of onset (minutes or hours versus several days), and brief loss of consciousness such as fainting or convulsions.”

You can save lives, as Skiff has. I’m very lucky. They were a good example of fast thinking. May is stroke month, so remember the common symptoms and hidden uncommon symptoms that can be real killers. I lost many abilities that took a year or more to regain and was even told I left the hospital in record time.

Sheri Pherigo

Newton