Stroke survivor grateful for life-saving care at Ascension Sacred Heart

Shedrick didn't know it at the time, but a quiet evening at his Pensacola, Florida, home with his wife would mark the beginning of a life-threatening emergency. In the days leading up to it, he had felt unusually tired and developed a strange, persistent headache. But it wasn’t until he suddenly fell asleep mid-conversation and stopped responding that his wife knew something was seriously wrong. His speech was slurred, and he couldn’t move his left arm. These were classic warning signs of a stroke.

She acted quickly, calling 911 and insisting he be taken to the emergency room at Ascension Sacred Heart. Shedrick recalled that his nephew, Anthony, a former operating tech at Ascension Sacred Heart, arrived to help and told the EMTs to take his uncle to Ascension Sacred Heart. “They’re the best for strokes,” his nephew said. 

That suggestion helped guide the decision that likely saved his life. By the time Shedrick arrived, he was drifting in and out of consciousness. What he didn’t realize at the time was just how critical the situation had become. Shedrick was suffering from a large vessel occlusion, meaning one of the major arteries supplying oxygen-rich blood to his brain had become blocked.

The emergency team, led by neurologist, Dr. Charles Schutt, moved fast. Dr. Schutt administered a clot-busting medication called thrombolytic therapy and prepared the team for an emergent thrombectomy. This is a minimally invasive procedure to physically remove the clot and restore blood flow to the brain.

Shedrick received the medication and was rushed to undergo the thrombectomy, but then something extraordinary happened.

“In many cases, patients don’t arrive in time to receive this powerful, life-saving medication,” said Dr. Schutt. “But Shedrick made it to us quickly. We were able to administer the medication before the procedure,and when he was taken for thrombectomy, we discovered the clot had already dissolved. That’s rare, and it made all the difference.”

Shedrick calls it a miracle. Today, he’s speaking clearly, walking and regaining full movement. While his recovery continues, he remains deeply grateful for the expert, compassionate care he received.

“I was very grateful,” he said. “They responded quickly, and Dr. Schutt took great care of me. I thank God,  and I thank Sacred Heart for how they handled everything.”

May is Stroke Awareness Month, a time to learn the signs and symptoms that could save a life. Recognizing a stroke early and acting fast is critical. Always remember the acronym B.E.F.A.S.T.

• B – Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination
  
  
• E – Eyes: Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
  
  
• F – Face: Facial drooping, usually on one side
  
  
• A – Arms: Weakness or numbness in one arm
  
  
• S – Speech: Slurred speech or difficulty speaking
  
  
• T – Time: Time to call 911 immediately

When you choose The Advanced Brain and Spine Institute at Ascension Sacred Heart in Northwest Florida, you will find a team of doctors who specialize in neurological disorders that affect your brain, spine and nerves. Ascension Sacred Heart has the region’s only neuroscience ICU and is recognized as a DNV designated Comprehensive Stroke Center. Your neurologists and neurosurgeons work with a team of brain and spine specialists from across the country, sharing best practices, knowledge and research  bringing the best of our integrated national network of care, close to home. We have the expertise to help find the cause of your symptoms and deliver a personalized care plan.

Learn more about stroke care at Ascension Sacred Heart.

Schedule a first visit or get a second opinion with Dr. Schutt.

If you or a loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t wait. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away.