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Bailey
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Bailey
Pediatric Stroke Survivor
My name is Bailey Carlson and I am 17 years old. I am
currently in my junior year of school. On September 15, twelve days
before my birthday, I suffered a Middle Cerebral Arterial Dissection (a
stroke). After school one day, there were call-backs for theater and I
was getting ready. Then randomly I got a little dizzy and fell down. I don't
really remember most of the first two weeks I was in the hospital but people
have told me stories.
From my mom, I heard that they didn't believe that I had a
stroke at first! They thought it was something that dealt with stress, maybe
drugs. My parents did not believe that! I had a CT scan in emergency room that
looked ok so the doctor sent me to a pediatric hospital. My parents wanted an
MRI, but doctors didn't think it was needed. My dad, who is definitely a penny
pincher, told the doctor that he'd even pay cash for an MRI. Finally, they had
a neurologist look at me who knew right away it was a stroke. The MRI showed it
was from a clot in the middle carotid artery. After those first 3 days I was
sent to a rehabilitation center to start therapy. My whole right side was
paralyzed and I could not talk.
My doctors, family and I still have no idea what
caused me to have such a severe stroke at such a young age. Truthfully thinking
about the fact that I had a stroke still makes me tear up but I’m hanging in
there. My stroke hasn’t slowed me down much; I still go to school, hang out
with my friends and have sleepovers. Basically I am doing what I can to
thoroughly enjoy my life! I do have times when I feel down and wonder why this
happened to me but I have a great support system so those times don’t last
long. I don’t think I could really get through this without my best friend,
Lindsey, and my mother and father, Jennifer and Paul. I can go to them for
anything! I am also fortunate that I have so many other people who are
supportive through all of this; teachers, family and friends. I am lucky to
have so many people who love me and want to see me succeed in my recovery.
There are definitely days when I think I won’t ever be ‘normal’ again but I am
making steady progress. I am hoping one day that my experience can helpful to
others in my situation.
›› Learn more about pediatric stroke
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