Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford stroke unit nurse becomes a stroke patient

For 13 years, Myra Key, a Murfreesboro resident, dedicated her career to Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford, working as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) on the stroke unit. She was healthy, aside from ongoing back and hip pain, and never imagined she would one day become a stroke patient herself.

In January, Myra’s life took an unexpected turn. She woke up feeling fine, ready to visit her daughter. After showering and brushing her teeth, her sister walked in, and as Myra tried to speak, she suddenly couldn’t form her words. The right side of her face began to droop, and her tongue felt heavy. Unable to move, she lay on the floor until EMS arrived and quickly transported her to Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford.

Upon arrival, a CT and CTA revealed a large clot in her brain. Myra had suffered an ischemic stroke. Because her symptoms were recognized quickly, she was eligible to receive thrombolytic medication, which helps break up blood clots before further intervention. After receiving the medication, she was moved to the Interventional Radiology (IR) suite for a thrombectomy, a minimally invasive procedure used to remove blood clots from the brain. This procedure is crucial in treating ischemic strokes, as it can restore blood flow and significantly reduce long-term damage.

Dr. Lani Thomas, vascular and interventional radiologist, Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford, performed the thrombectomy. “It was the craziest thing—I could actually feel the pressure being relieved as they removed the clot,” Myra said. “I heard everything and remembered everything. They walked me through every step of the process.”

After the procedure, Myra was moved to the ICU to recover. “I was myself again,” she said. “The only thing that wasn’t 100% was my left eye—I couldn’t see in my peripheral vision.” She worked closely with therapists to regain mobility and remained in the hospital for about a week before going home.

Reflecting on her experience, Myra expressed deep gratitude for the care she received. “Everyone on the unit was wonderful. They were so good to me,” she said. During her recovery, she found herself reflecting on the uncertainty of her outcome, thanking God for another chance at life.

Recovery has been a journey, and Myra continues to navigate challenges, including short-term memory loss. “It can be frustrating,” she admitted, “but I’m counting my blessings every day.”

Now, she shares her story with pride. “I tell people I’ve had a stroke because just look at me now! This experience changed my world—it gave me a new outlook on life. You’re here today, and in a second, everything can change.” 

Learn more about stroke care and treatment options at Ascension Saint Thomas.