DEAR ABBY: I'm writing this because I hope you will tell your readers to learn the signs of a stroke. I wish I had known.
I was visiting my grandma seven years ago. During dinner she had a stroke. I knew something was wrong, but wasn't sure what it was. My sister and I asked her if she wanted to go to the hospital, but she said no. We respected her wishes and didn't insist. We finally took her two days later.
Abby, my grandmother never spoke again. She spent her last seven years aware of what she wanted to say, but unable to say it. The guilt I carry is hard to live with.
Please tell your readers to make sure they know the signs of a stroke and to remember that while most people don't want to go to the hospital, the first three hours after a stroke are CRITICAL.
- Missing Her in Utah
DEAR MISSING HER: What happened to your grandmother was tragic, but you were no more at fault than the millions of others who are also unaware of the signs of stroke.
The most common stroke symptoms are: sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg - especially on one side of the body; sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding; sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes; sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination; sudden severe headache.
If you see or have any of these symptoms, call 9-1-1!
