St. Joseph Health System
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Patient Testimonial By Barbara

It was a day like any other day until Clyde unexpectedly found his wife helpless on the floor of their home. After rushing to St. Joseph Regional Health Center, the St. Joseph Stroke Team rapidly worked to help Barbara recover from what could have been a paralyzing circumstance...

"You know they say you live a minute at a time", Barbara told us thoughtfully, but you don't. You live a second at a time." Clyde and Barbara's day began like any other, with morning routines and daily errands, until Clyde unexpectedly found his wife Barbara lying on the floor of their home having just suffered a major stroke.

Thoughts raced through Clyde's mind as he rushed to find immediate help for his wife. Dr. White, the physician who treated Barbara when she arrived at St. Joseph Regional Health Center, recalls the event as if it happened yesterday. When Barbara arrived at the hospital the stroke had left her with paralysis on one side of her body. Unsure if Barbara would ever regain feeling in that side of her body again, Clyde waited anxiously as the doctors gave her a cat scan and revealed the severity of her stroke.

"It is awful to see someone you love in that condition and know you can't do anything, said Clyde. "We'd been together so long; I couldn't imagine not having her in my life anymore." The physicians in the Primary Stroke Center at St. Joseph rapidly assessed Barbara's needs and began a medication called TPA. TPA is a highly effective clot busting medication that is only available at specific hospitals, St. Joseph being one of the few. "St. Joseph is the only primary Stroke Center in the Brazos Valley" Dr. White said with pride. "They provide a higher level of stroke care than other centers that do not carry that distinction."

Only ten short minutes after the TPA treatment, Clyde was amazed when Barbara shot her arm up in the air. Only thirty minutes later, Barbara had regained feeling in both arms and legs and was able to lift herself off of the hospital bed. Within an hour's time, Barbara was back to her normal self.

"Without the efficient and attentive care made by St. Joseph Health Center, Barbara would be more than likely paralyzed today," stated Dr. White. Nearly three weeks after her stroke, Barbara happily reported that she is feeling better every day.

St. Joseph is the only Primary Stroke Center in the region, as designated by the Joint Commission for the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. The Joint Commission's Certificate of Distinction for Primary Stroke Centers recognizes centers that make exceptional efforts to foster better outcomes for stroke care. Achievement of certification signifies that the services provided have the critical elements to achieve long-term success in improving outcomes. It is the best signal to the community that the quality care is effectively managed to meet the unique and specialized needs of stroke patients.

A Ministry of Sylvania Franciscan Health