God's Grace During A Stroke

My name is Karen Coy. I’ve gone to Westside for many years. 

Twelve years ago, I woke in the middle of the night with the worst headache I’ve ever had in my life. Then it was like a big flush came over me and I felt paralyzed. I had suffered a stroke.

I remember the only thing I could mumble was, “I need you, Vic; I need you, Vic.”  Finally, my husband said, “Oh, I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry, hon.” I said, “Well, I can’t even move or anything.” 

I went in and out of consciousness. The next thing I remember was that the paramedics came. I rolled on the bed looking for my robe. Evidently, I was hallucinating because I thought my arm was detached from my body. Then I came to and remember seeing the paramedics. There was an older gentleman who was in charge. He carried me out of the room and put me on the stretcher because it wouldn’t fit through our hallway. 

I woke up in the ambulance and noticed a nice-looking paramedic. I tried to mumble to him that he was so good-looking, however, I bit my tongue badly and lost consciousness again. The next time I woke I was at St. Luke’s hospital on Eagle. Doctors and nurses surrounded the stretcher on all four sides, just like on TV shows. I thought, “Man, I’m in trouble.” 

I lost consciousness again and next woke up in the ICU at St. Luke’s downtown. I was there for two to three days, paralyzed on the left side but, fortunately, not below the waist. From there I went to the Idaho Elks Rehab for five days. I celebrated my 68th birthday there and it was a great day because any second the Lord could have taken me home to be with Him. Praise God, I have had 12 more years here on Earth to be with my wonderful husband, who I love so much, and my three sons. The Lord has been so good. I recovered well.

What brought on the stroke? I had just been diagnosed with AFib (Atrial Fibrillation) and was in the process of going to a heart doctor. (Statistic: One in three people with AFib will have a stroke at some time.) A small blood clot traveled to my brain. Since having the stroke, I have been on Warfarin.  

All the support and cards, calls, and meals from friends at Westside was wonderful. I have kept all the cards. The Lord has been so good. The left side of my face has recovered, and I got my smile back. One wouldn’t know that I had a stroke. I’m living proof that the Lord will bring you through. Good things come through trials. God taught me lessons. 

Philippians 4:6 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”

– Karen Coy