When I had my first stroke I knew nothing about them. I felt dizzy and had trouble walking. I drove myself home from work and had to pull over on the New Jersey Turnpike to throw up. I was positive I had a stomach bug! I got home and went straight to bed. The next day I felt the same. “Sleep it off,” my body was screaming. I was only 43 and a very busy mom and sales executive. On day three I dragged myself out of bed and immediately noticed my left leg was not working properly. I took a few steps and thought, “Is this a joke?” My shirt sleeve was crooked so I reached up to fix it and punched myself in the face!

I headed straight to the ER. Well not quite. On Day 3 I finally realized something was wrong and went to the ER. I was admitted and was finally on my way to being diagnosed and getting some rehab. Six months later I was recovered and back at work. It was hard but I was tough and pushed hard to be 100%.

Fast forward six years. I was lying in bed one night and started slurring my words. My husband noticed immediately and said, “We are going to the hospital.” I agreed but all I wanted to do was go back to bed and sleep it off. By morning I lost my whole left side despite getting TPA within 30 minutes of my symptoms. This recovery was going to be even harder than the first time.

What if I had followed my instincts and went back to bed? I might not be here today. Every time I talk about this to stroke survivors, many will admit they tried to sleep it off. They say time equals brain because the sooner you get to the hospital, the better your chances of recovery. Sleeping it off does not help. Fight your instincts and get to the hospital.