Bob Makes Full Recovery Following a Stroke

April 2022 - It was a normal Monday morning in November when Bob Chilson, 71, had a stroke. Fortunately, his wife, a retired health care professional, recognized the signs of a stroke — one-sided weakness and slurred speech. She also knew that every minute counts during a stroke and immediately called 911.

ADVANCED STROKE CARE IN ST. CHARLES COUNTY

Bob recently traveled to Florida just a few months after his stroke.

The paramedics rushed Bob to Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital, knowing it offers the most advanced stroke care available in the region. There they identified a large blockage in his middle cerebral artery and activated the interventional team. Bob underwent a thrombectomy, a minimally invasive procedure to remove a blood clot in the brain to restore blood flow. They successfully removed the clot in entirety.

“It’s a revolutionary but time-critical treatment, often only available at major hospitals. But BJC HealthCare and Washington University Physicians recognized this concern early on and quickly identified Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital as an excellent location. Now, we’re bringing St. Charles County access to the most specialized and advanced stroke care available today,” says Brendan Eby, MD, assistant professor with the departments of neurology, neurosurgery and radiology at Washington University School of Medicine and stroke medical director at Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital.

Following the procedure, Bob was discharged home after only three days. His speech had fully returned, and his other symptoms had completely subsided — a dramatic recovery following a stroke as severe as the one he had but not an unusual outcome of a thrombectomy.

“By far, the most fulfilling part of my job is seeing patients doing so well,” shares Dr. Eby. “These are patients with the worst strokes, and we’re giving them a chance to turn around.”

SUPPORT FOR STROKE SURVIVORS

Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital offers follow-up care to continue supporting stroke patients and their caregivers as needed, with both inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation and free monthly stroke support classes. Equipped with cerebral angiography, the technology necessary for thrombectomy, the neurology team can also evaluate other brain blood vessel problems.

When asked how his life has changed since his stroke, Bob promptly replied, “It hasn’t.” It’s as if the stroke never happened. He doesn’t have any lingering symptoms and has returned to his active life, regularly jogging and weightlifting.

“My experience couldn’t have been better, and I couldn’t have been happier with the care,” says Bob. “I’m lucky to live in a community that has an excellent hospital and wonderful doctors and nurses close to my home.”

If you think someone may be having a stroke, call 911 immediately. First responders can begin providing vital care during transport to the hospital. To learn more, visit stroke care at Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital.

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

If you are interested in scheduling an appointment with a neurologist who specializes in vascular and endovascular care, call 636.928.9355.