I usually see strokes after the fact, hours or even days later. Patients just don't often come in right away.
A couple of months ago I cared for someone who was having a stroke in "real time" right beneath my nose. It was a scary and powerful experience even after all these decades. She almost clinged to me as someone who knew her before, during, and then after the event. I could see in her eyes that she was pleading for someone to grant her control over her body again. She got good care from a team of providers, and made a full recovery.
Most patients I approach about their wishes for resuscitation and "DNR" issues don't fear dying -- they fear incapacitation. I can relate to that.
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Rich
San Francisco Area
ESR'd March 2010. FIRE'd January 2011.
As if you didn't know..If the above message contains medical content, it's NOT intended as advice, and may not be accurate, applicable or sufficient. Don't rely on it for any purpose. Consult your own doctor for all medical advice.
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