Quick Action Leads to Jesse's Recovery From Stroke
A fast response by the Penn Medicine | Virtua Health Neurosciences Program team allowed Jesse to survive a stroke—and to thrive afterward.
October 24, 2022, was just another day for Jesse Randolph. After work, the information technology professional went to the gym, watched Netflix in his home “man cave,” and then went to bed.
Around 3 a.m. the next morning, he woke up but couldn’t get out of bed.
“I was trying to go to the bathroom, and I couldn't move my entire right side. My wife woke up, but I couldn't speak,” said Jesse. “I somehow used my left side to roll over and I fell onto the floor. My wife saw my face was a little taut on the one side. She immediately called 911 and said, ‘My husband is having a stroke.’”
An ambulance rushed Jesse from his Cherry Hill home to Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, where the stroke team was waiting for him. Imaging tests confirmed a clot was causing his stroke, and he was rushed to the hospital’s advanced hybrid operating room for immediate treatment.
Led by Omar Choudhri, MD, FAANS, a cerebrovascular neurosurgeon with the Penn Medicine | Virtua Health Neurosciences Program, the team performed a procedure called a thrombectomy. They inserted a catheter through an artery in Jesse’s groin and threaded it into his brain. Using suction, Dr. Choudhri pulled out the clot, restoring blood flow.
With stroke, every minute counts
Paralysis on one side of the body and trouble speaking are two common signs of stroke. Other symptoms include confusion, problems seeing in one or both eyes, severe headache, and trouble walking.
“Time is brain. Every second blood flow is blocked, you're losing millions of brain cells,” said Dr. Choudhri. “We were able to quickly open all the affected blood vessels in his brain.”
Within three hours of the surgery, Jesse was moving his arms and legs. He was discharged from the hospital the next day.
Heart rhythm connection
In 2010, Jesse was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (AFib), a type of irregular heartbeat that makes you five times more likely to have a stroke.
“If the heart isn't beating properly, the blood slows down and clots can form,” said Dr. Choudhri. “If the clot is on the left side of the heart, it can move into the brain and cause a stroke. If it’s on the right side, it can go to the lungs and cause a pulmonary embolism.”
Jesse is sorry he didn't consistently take blood thinners to reduce the risk of clots or change his lifestyle to help manage his condition.
“I’m extremely thankful just to be alive,” said Jesse. “Strokes are real. If there’s anything you can do, any medication you can take, please do it.”
Jesse’s complete recovery
Amazingly, Jesse did not need physical therapy. Dr. Choudhri attributes Jesse’s recovery to his wife’s recognition of his stroke symptoms—both of her parents had strokes—and the team’s ability to quickly remove the clot.
“This is the type of outcome we aspire to achieve,” said Dr. Choudhri.
Jesse is thankful for everyone who saved his life.
“I’m blessed,” he said. “I can’t say I’m thankful enough for all the team did for me.”
Your destination for brain health
When it comes to stroke, you need to act fast to prevent or limit long-lasting damage. Available 24/7, the Virtua Neurosciences Program is here for you when you need us most. Make an appointment with a Virtua stroke specialist.
There's So Much More to Explore
Discover expert insights, inspiring stories, health tips, and more by exploring the content below!
A Woman’s Four-Step Guide to Fight Back on Back Pain
What You Need To Know About Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
The Truth About Menopause, Weight Gain, and Belly Fat
Shedding Light on Lesser-Known Menopause Symptoms and Solutions
Debunking The Myths About Vaginal Dryness
Inside Look at Blood Vessels Aids PAD Treatment
Denise Davis: Pay Attention to Your Heart Health
What You Need To Know About Stroke Treatment
Prayers Answered: Pastor Gatling on New Mission After Kidney Transplant
10 Smart Ways to Manage Your Diabetes
Signs You May Have Chronic Kidney Disease
5 Essential Winter Foot Care Tips When You Have Diabetes
Sweet Music: Trust, Teamwork Save Justin from Heart Attack
Complex Heart Surgery Nets James a Lifelong Friend
Hepatitis C Kidney Transplant a Blessing For Lee Manns
Special Delivery Organ Transplant Gives Amazon Employee Second Chance
7 Reasons Why You Want Your Surgeon to Be an Expert in Robotics
Colitis Symptoms Under Control, Jennifer Is ‘Living My Best Life’
How Do I Care for a Wound that Won't Heal?
Be Fast and Spot the Signs of Stroke
Surprising Symptoms May Signal Stroke In Women
Five Back Pain Risk Factors That You Should Know
Is My Back Pain Normal, or Is It Spinal Stenosis?
Robotic Hernia Surgery Combines Innovative Techniques With Faster Recovery Times
How Does Breast Density Affect Your Mammogram?
Menopause: New Insights Into the Power of Hormone Replacement Therapy
Signs You Should Get Treated For Vein Problems
One New Heart Valve Saves Two Lives in the Tritten Family
What You Need to Know About Heart Failure
Lung Valve Surgery Relieves COPD, Emphysema Symptoms
Lung Screening, Robotic Technologies Get Pat Kicking Up Her Boots Again
Breast Cancer Diagnosis Inspires Catherine to Help Others
Jasmine’s On-Air and Pain-Free After Gallbladder Surgery
When Should I See a Doctor About My Knee Pain?
Quick Action Leads to Jesse's Recovery From Stroke
A Non-Athlete’s Guide to Shoulder Overuse Injuries
Shoulder problems aren’t limited to athletes. Virtua orthopedic surgeon Sean McMillan, DO, explains shoulder overuse injuries and prevention in this article.