“Please turn on the AC, it’s so hot!” I remember telling my wife and right after “Bring me water I’m thirsty.” At that moment, I was laying down in front of our couch and she had just hung up with her mom who lives 5 minutes away. The pain inside my head was so intense I told her it was time to dial 911 (I knew we wouldn’t make it on our own). While on the phone explaining to the operator the entire situation Mariana was able to go get me a glass of water.
The operator began giving her directions to perform tests based on the information she had gathered. “Mario! Smile for me!” my wife demanded. I thought to myself “You got to be freaking kidding me!” Not knowing what I know now about stroke signs. I mean, who expects experiencing one at the age of 30? My wife immediately informed the operator lady that I was able to smile.
On to the next test, “Babe, repeat this sentence after me.” Oddly enough, I only remember the word “worm” from the entire sentence, but I also passed. Finally, I was asked to lift up my arms and I only rose my right arm because i happen to be laying down completely on my left side. Through my wife’s eyes I had technically passed (Totally failed it though). It was time for my drink of water or should I say chug of water. Not even 30 seconds passed when I started vomiting all over the floor and a sofa pillow. The pain became so bad i started holding my head (instincts I guess).
The paramedics arrived in less than 10 minutes, but to me seconds were minutes, and minutes were hours. My soul was fighting the hardest battle to date, and struggling to stay in it. I felt myself wandering into another dimension not even wanting too. I still wonder today what the heck was happening, why everything was so calm too.
At last I heard what seemed to be shouts from someone, it was one of the paramedics (there were three apparently, and I would love to meet them soon). “Hey! Hey! What is your name?!” he yelled. My wife tells me I was passing out or losing consciousness around this time. “Mario! How old are you?! As I drifted in and out I still tried to comply. “Mario! squeeze my hands!” the man insisted. I really focused on doing what I was asked, however I could not squeeze with my left hand. “I’m sorry” I said disappointed. “No need to apologize my man.” he replied.
They began loading me on to the stretcher, and I made sure to get something off my chest quickly. “You have to save me, I have a baby boy.” If those ended up being my last words, I would have been proud and at peace knowing my last thoughts were about him. I don’t remember anything else but one worrisome flash back from the ambulance. “This is not good, we need to hurry up and enter…”the paramedic informed the driver. Those words were slowly fading away because I was officially unconscious…
Welcome to the very beginning of my insane journey and thank you for all the support. Share your thoughts in my comment section below on this or all blog posts.
To learn more about AVM and its effects, you can visit this LINK.