My Health Journey- Navigating Recovery and the Unexpected Stroke
Part 2 of 3
To catch up on part 1- click here
When I first started preparing for surgery, I had a clear vision of what recovery would look like: a gradual process of regaining strength and getting back to my life. I knew there would be challenges, but nothing could have prepared me for what came next. After surgery, things took an unexpected and frightening turn that would test my resilience and my commitment to health like never before.
A Sudden Setback: The Start of My Health Crisis
A few months after the surgery, while I was still healing, I fainted in the middle of the night. I had gotten up to go to the bathroom, and without warning, I collapsed. The sound of the fall woke my husband, and I’ll never forget the fear and confusion in his voice as he rushed to help me. For me, it was equally terrifying. Fainting wasn’t normal for me, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was seriously wrong.
Dismissing Symptoms: The Frustration of Not Being Heard
In the days and weeks that followed, I started feeling very ill. It wasn’t one clear symptom but a mix of vague issues that were hard to describe. I felt dizzy, had blurry vision, nausea, diarrhea, extreme fatigue, and a persistent sense of being “off.” The best word I could find to explain it was 'woozy,' but it didn’t feel serious enough for the doctors. Maybe you’ve experienced that at a doctor’s appointment too—where they don’t quite understand what you’re describing, or worse, dismiss it as unimportant.
I went to multiple doctors, urgent care visits, and even the emergency room, only to be sent home each time with the same diagnosis: "It must be a virus." Despite my worsening symptoms, no one could explain why I felt so horrible. I felt dismissed and hopeless, especially because deep down, I knew this wasn’t just a virus. There were moments when I thought I might not make it—I felt that sick.
Self-Advocacy: The Key to Finding Answers
As the weeks dragged on, I pushed. I questioned. I insisted on more tests. I paid out of pocket for additional help when insurance wouldn’t cover it. I just knew something wasn’t right. It was a time of deep uncertainty, filled with frustration and fear. After all the progress I’d made in preparing for surgery and starting my recovery, it felt like I was back at square one—only this time, I didn’t have any answers. I had expected to be better, to be healing. Instead, I was facing more tests, more unknowns, and a health journey I never could have predicted.
Finally, after a few months of no answers, a compassionate eye doctor took my symptoms seriously and ordered the right tests. I had multiple CT and MRI to figure out what was going on. It was then that I received my diagnosis.
What was causing all my various complaints was not good news. I was diagnosed with a vertebral artery dissection—a tear in one of the arteries in my neck that supplies blood to the brain—which had caused a cerebellar stroke.While part of me was relieved to finally have an explanation, hearing the diagnosis was also terrifying. It confirmed that what I was experiencing wasn’t just in my head, and it wasn’t a virus. It was far more serious than anyone initially thought.
This kind of stroke is rare and, given my health history of being very healthy and active, I didn’t fit the usual profile for a stroke victim.
Taking Control: How to Advocate for Your Health
This experience taught me some powerful lessons about advocating for my own health. When I was sick and confused, I realized that nobody else could advocate for me the way I could for myself. No one else knows how you feel better than you do. While doctors and medical professionals are crucial, they are human too—they don’t have all the answers, and sometimes it takes pushing, questioning, and insisting to get the right care. It’s easy to feel lost in the system or dismissed, but I’ve learned that tuning into your own body, really listening to your symptoms, and being persistent are essential when it comes to advocating for your health.
This is why self-advocacy is so important—it became the key to finding the answers I so desperately needed. If you're experiencing unexplained symptoms, don’t ignore them—your health deserves your attention. Keep pushing for answers until you get them. I truly believe that staying committed to your own healing and listening to your body is not only crucial for recovery, but also for living a healthy, long-term life.
It’s also important to stay committed to your healing journey, especially when the road ahead is unclear or difficult. There were days when I thought I was getting nowhere, and the frustration felt unbearable. But I kept coming back to the idea that healing isn’t linear—it’s a process. There will be good days and bad days. And even when progress feels slow, it’s still progress. Staying committed to the journey, no matter how long it takes or how hard it gets, is what ultimately leads to healing.
I want you to know that you’re not alone on your health journey. It’s okay to feel uncertain, to question, and to seek support when you need it. But you also have the power to take control of your health, just as I did. You can advocate for yourself, and you can heal, even when it feels impossible.
The photo below is during my healing when I first stuck my toes in the water- the little waves washing over my feet felt so amazing that it brought tears.
Taking Action: Practical Steps for Advocating for Your Health
If you are experiencing a deeper medical concern- please see your doctor. But if you are preparing for a surgery, recovering from being ill, or wanting to prioritize your health and take better care of yourself, then here’s a few steps in the right direction.
Take the Four Pillars Quiz
If you're unsure where to focus next, take my Four Pillars Quiz to find out which area of health you might need to prioritize to feel energized, balanced, and empowered. Click here to take the quiz. Understanding which pillar needs attention will help you focus your energy in the right direction.Learn more about your body and your health
The more you understand how your body works and how it reacts, the better equipped you’ll be to advocate for yourself. Educate yourself on the signs and symptoms of common health issues. Be proactive in asking questions and exploring solutions to ensure you're not left in the dark about your health.Ask for help when you need it
Whether it’s seeking a second opinion, reaching out to a healthcare professional, or joining a program like Nourish For Life, don't hesitate to seek the support you deserve. Your health matters, and asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. If you're feeling stuck or unsure of your next steps, click here to learn more about Nourish For Life. This membership offers the guidance, community, and resources you need to stay focused on the Four Pillars of Health—nutrition, movement, sleep, and mindset—so you can continue progressing on your healing journey.
Your health journey is unique, and it’s okay to seek support along the way. No matter what stage you’re at, remember that advocating for your health and staying committed to your healing journey is the key to living a vibrant, fulfilling life. You are your best advocate, and I’m here to help guide you on the path to optimal health.
In Part 3, I’ll share some of the most important lessons I’ve learned from my recovery, give you an update on my progress, and explore what it all means for you and your health journey. Stay tuned—there's more to come that you won’t want to miss!
Feel free to share your thoughts or ask questions in the comments below—I’d love to hear from you and continue this conversation together.