Michele Cofer
Hello, my name is Michele and I had a left parietal lobe stroke on March 13, 2004. I am 35 years old and work as a Registered Nurse.
I awoke that Saturday morning feeling "weird" and dropped some things in my hand. I called my husband on the phone and my speech was garbled and was unclear. Knowing that something was going on, I called the ambulance and was transported to the hospital where I work.
After 2 negative CT scans, I was started on IV Heparin. The aphasia was classifed as "severe" and I also had right sided weakness. I was in the hospital for 8 days to try and find out what caused the stroke. After multiple tests, it was determined to be caused from oral contraceptives. I do have hypertension (although well controlled), but don't smoke.
After 24 hours, the weakness subsided and the aphasia was getting better. MRI of the brain showed a stroke on the left parietal lobe. It has been about 6 weeks now and I have no residual left from the stroke at all. Since I am now off Coumadin (only taking Aspirin and Plavix now) - they are now doing some more tests - Lupus anti-coagulant, Protein C & S deficiency and Factor 5 Leiden. If those come back negative, then it will be assumed to be caused from oral contraceptives.
I believe what led to my quick recovery was recognition of what was happening and early treatment!! There is hope!!
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