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Stroke Survivor of the Month

Andrew Williams
Chicago, IL

Suffering a stroke is devastating enough by itself, but the complications this gentleman has experienced have made his recovery even more of a challenge. Through it all he still appreciates the opportunity each new day brings. He continues with optimism, courage and hope.

Andrew says:

"I am very blessed to be alive and grateful to my wife, Ora Dee Williams, who has been by my side since the stroke occurred in February of 2004.

I was 81 years old when I had the stroke. Prior to my stroke I was very active in my fraternity, Kappa Alpha Psi, Fraternity Inc., I was an avid golfer, on the Board of Trustees at the Good Shepherd Church and on the Board of Directors at the South Side YMCA. I have a history of hypertension, atrial fibrillation and benign prostatic hypertrophy.

I remember going to bed on January 31, 2004. I woke my wife up early that morning mumbling and trying to tell her that something was wrong, but I could not talk. She heard me mumbling and finally got up and turned the light on. She realized that I was having a stroke. She immediately called 911 and they were there within 15-20 minutes.

I was admitted to University of Chicago hospital on February 1st with signs and symptoms of an acute stroke that resulted in a left hemiparesis (partial paralysis). I had a very complicated course that required several ICU stays including pulmonary embolism, atrial fibrillation and profound hematuria probably related to Foley Trauma, hypotension and significant infection. I have been left with a dense left paralysis. I also had documented seizures during my hospitalization and I remain on Dilantin to control them. I also ended up having a suprapubic catheter placed which has been draining well and I have had no further hematuria.