How I survived the Stroke with a stroke of luck
My summer had a crazy start this year! Something that I would have never even imagined in my worst nightmares.
It was the last day of school and just like many other teachers I was eagerly looking forward to a relaxing break. My students helped me in wrapping up my classroom to make it summer ready. They bid me farewell and gave me loving notes. I was all set for summer, or at least I thought so…!
However, there was something totally different in my destiny.
That evening I ended up in ER. And as per doctors I was in quite serious condition. This was my first ever visit to ER as a patient. I wonder, how sometimes we take everything in life for granted. But it was my time to realize how fragile life could be.
According to the doctors, I was having all the symptoms of a stroke. They even suspected that I may have had a mini-stroke which may have caused some damage.
“Is it a joke? Me and having a stroke…?? Seriously, how could that be even possible?” I just could not believe what was happening to me.
Yes, I had some light migraine in the morning. Not sure how, but soon that led to dizziness, then nausea later and followed by skyrocketing blood pressure. When I came home from school, I could barely walk and felt as if the entire room was spinning around me. Hoping I may feel better, I wasted some more time at home. Truthfully, another important factor of delaying was — how much money I may need to spend with urgent care and ER with my “not-so-good” teacher health insurance? I know it was so silly and foolish of me judging the price of my life, but it was the truth.
However, soon I realized this could be life threatening. So, I went to Urgent Care. They looked at my symptoms and decided that they could not handle this. They rushed me to ER. So, there I was lying on the ER room bed, not so sure about my future. What if this seriously leads to a severe stroke? What if any damage has already occurred? How much time I had on hand? What all things I must take care of? What if and how to — such a big list to tackle! Who all are my loved ones, whom I must contact personally before it is too late?
The very first thought that struck my mind was — oh, my students! They will miss me! Despite seriousness of my health condition, I took a selfie and posted it on social media with congratulations for my graduating students.
Then I looked at my husband’s worried face and texted a few of our family friends to come and help him if anything is needed. Finally, I called my son and asked him to take care of his dad, if something happens to me.
“Breathe!!,” My inner voice was telling me — “Take a deep Breath, feel the calm…”
Suddenly, I had a deep desire for my mother to be by my side, to give me a hug and courage. I closed my eyes and imagined her presence around me.
“You are a good girl! Just be positive! And no negative self-talking. Shed all those negative thoughts and see how you can control your future,” as if I was a child and my Mom was whispering these words.
“Your mind could be your worst enemy, so you must learn how to control the reigns,” that’s what meditation is all about!
“How many hours of sleep daily…?” My doctor was asking.
“She sleeps a maximum of five hours, sometimes just four,” my husband answered on my behalf.
“Well, she has no time for anything. She just works and works — non-stop,” I could see the frustration in my husband’s voice.
Yes, my job as a teacher takes the highest priority for me. No doubt about that! I am passionate about teaching and love to see my students excel in every field. Yes, I brag about my students’ success and when they continue visiting me even after going to college, I brag even more! Teacher life is full of such precious moments that we can cherish, but it does come with the price of occasional stressful moments. And yes, I must have put my life on hold while answering those parent e-mails or taking care of other things.
“Ms. Kulkarni, hope you feel better soon. We love you, we all missed you…,” that was a get-well message coming from a parent on behalf of some of my students!
“We need you,” my administrator texted me and offered any help. How could I NOT be there when I am most needed?
I could feel nothing but love all around me! I closed my eyes, felt as if I am a child and my mom is giving me a hug and a gentle kiss. I could hear her whispering, “Just be positive! No negative thinking, no bad self-talking, everything will be alright.”
The doctor kept me under observation for a couple of hours. I slowly relaxed. I got rid of all the negative thoughts. My mind was filled with positive energy. The BP monitor was taking my readings every 5 min. Slowly the numbers started going down. From 195/120 it went down and down until it reached 135/90. The doctor then declared that I was out of danger and things were under control. I was released from the ER with the strict instructions not to stress out.
I was so close to the disaster. Was it a miracle that saved me? Was it my will power and positive thinking that came to rescue me? Maybe, it was not my time yet…!
Whatever the case could be, the truth is — I survived the stroke with a stroke of luck and of course splash of love!
