On Wednesday, August 19 around 8PM, Stephanie went to grab some Advil for what she thought was an oncoming migraine. But the glass kept slipping out of her hand in an attempt to get water.

Josh happened to call, and Steph told Josh what was happening.

But Josh couldn’t understand what Stephanie was attempting to say. In her mind, she was clearly telling him about the glass slipping and her headache. Her spoken words were not actually sensical words. This alarmed Josh and he even stated, “Are you having a stroke? We should call 911.”

Josh came home and found Advil and water scattered all over with Stephanie sitting on the floor. He could see Stephanie had a visible face droop, but she wanted proof. He took a photo and showed her. He also demonstrated to her that she couldn’t keep her left arm up. Despite Stephanie’s best attempts to stay home, Josh decided it was time to go to the hospital.

With the assistance of a neighbor, he got her in the car to Poudre Valley Hospital.

Poudre Valley Hospital got imaging (a CT scan) of Stephanie’s neck & brain which showed she had a dissected (torn) and blocked internal carotid artery on the right side. The damage to the artery caused clots to break loose and Stephanie had a stroke as a result of those clots.

Stephanie was in a highly emergent situation. PVH got a helicopter from Loveland, CO to fly her down to University of Colorado Hospital - Anschutz in Aurora, CO.

Upon arrival, the neurosurgeon & medical team at UC Health were able to take Stephanie in for a stent placement. They were attempting to fix the dissection, which was successful, but it was unable to open up the artery . The next 3 days were crucial as it was not a guarantee Stephanie would recover. She spent those 3 days in the ICU being closely monitored for any new symptoms. Miraculously, Steph’s body made it’s own path and started compensating for the blockage!

Stephanie was relieved to finally get discharged home on Monday, August 24. Josh and his parents were happy to return home to Fort Collins!

It hasn't been smooth sailing. Steph passed out that Wednesday night at home, and Josh called 911 for another trip to the ER. Thankfully, she was much better after receiving some IV fluids and returned home that same day.

Stephanie has been receiving physical, speech and occupational therapy since returning home and is trying to be a good patient. :) Thursday, October 1st, she was able to start back at work (as a physical therapist ironically!) at part time after being off for 6 weeks. Stephanie is hoping to be back to full time in November. Josh has been at home trying to keep an eye on Stephanie and working occasionally.

Stephanie reports that she has about 90% of her strength back. Motor control and fine motor movement are slowly coming back to her left arm as she has ongoing healing.

Stephanie and Josh have felt overwhelmed with all the ways they have been supported. Unfortunately, finances have become quite strained with Stephanie being out of work for 6 weeks, and Josh not being able to work consistently while he assists Stephanie around the house with recovery. These funds will assist Stephanie and Josh with covering their medical expenses and the loss of 75% of their income for about two months.