Surviving a Stroke: Nestor Montalvo’s Journey to Recovery
Last September, 61-year-old Nestor Montalvo woke up feeling ill, experiencing a baffling mix of symptoms that he compared to a severe hangover. Unbeknownst to him, these signs marked the onset of a stroke, a serious medical condition where blood flow to the brain is disrupted. In a matter of moments, Montalvo’s life changed dramatically, illustrating the critical importance of prompt medical attention in such emergencies.
Recognizing the Symptoms
For Montalvo, the morning began with a blinding headache and blurred vision. As he attempted to stand, he felt numbness on one side of his body. “Everything started spinning,” he recalled. His wife immediately called 911, prompting emergency responders to deliver shocking news: Montalvo was having a stroke.
Time is of the essence when it comes to strokes, as Dr. Taylor Kimberly, a specialist in neurocritical care, emphasizes. The saying “Time is brain” underscores how critical it is to deliver treatment quickly, as delays can result in permanent brain damage or even death. Montalvo, who had suffered an ischemic stroke caused by a blockage, faced a daunting prognosis: only a 15% chance of survival.
The Emergency Response
Upon arriving at Catholic Health’s Mercy Hospital, Montalvo was evaluated for a potential stroke. Dr. Cini Thayil, the first physician to assess him, recognized the severity of his condition almost immediately. Within 10 minutes, Montalvo’s treatment had begun, showcasing the efficiency of the hospital’s stroke protocol. He underwent a CAT scan, and shortly after, he received a clot-busting medication called TNK, followed by a minor procedure to remove the obstruction.
“I could have been a vegetable, I could have died,” Montalvo reflected on the rapid response that ultimately saved his life.
A Long Road to Recovery
Although the immediate stroke was addressed, Montalvo’s recovery journey was just beginning. Serious complications arose, including the collapse of his vocal cords, necessitating a tracheotomy to facilitate breathing. He faced challenges with swallowing and speaking, making basic communication and eating difficult. The reality of his situation was harsh: “I couldn’t swallow, I couldn’t talk, I couldn’t eat,” he recalled.
Enter Aileen Fairchild, an acute care speech pathologist at Mercy Hospital. Over six weeks, Fairchild worked diligently with Montalvo, focusing on exercises to strengthen the muscles involved in speech and swallowing. Despite the tough road ahead, Montalvo’s determination shone through. His progress was monitored through regular scans, and eventually, the tracheotomy tube was removed, enabling further rehabilitation.
Returning to Normalcy
By Thanksgiving, Montalvo was able to join his family for a traditional meal, marking a significant milestone in his recovery. Today, nearly a year after the stroke, Montalvo has regained much of his former functionality; he can speak and eat normally again and enjoys his retirement, spending time with family, including his grandchildren and their dog, Paris. However, he still requires a cane for walking and continues outpatient physical therapy.
Reflecting on his experience, Montalvo acknowledges a profound shift in perspective. “You take life for granted, and then when something like this happens, it wakes you up,” he said. “You hear people talk about it, and it just sounds like it’s not going to happen to you. All of a sudden, it happens to you.” His journey serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictable nature of health and the vital importance of swift medical intervention.