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St. Luke's Hospital offers new stroke treatment

Posted at 7:22 AM, May 15, 2017
and last updated 2017-05-15 08:28:34-04

Kurt Hinrichs is glad his wife snores. It probably saved his life.

About three years ago, Kurt woke up hearing his wife sleeping very soundly.

He decided to move to the den, but when he tried to stand up he collapsed.

His wife woke up and immediately knew something was very wrong. Kurt’s right side was paralyzed and he couldn’t speak.

The paramedics arrived quickly and took him to St. Luke’s Hospital.

There, Dr. Coleman Martin went on a fishing expedition.

Using the latest technology, Martin guided a thin wire toward Kurt’s blood clot. He expanded the “net” and “caught” the clot. It was as big as a nickel.

 

Kurt did not exhibit any of the normal risk factors for stroke, such as high blood pressure.

But, he still had one and, without the rapid response of his wife, paramedics and St. Luke’s, he wouldn’t be here today.

May is Stroke Awareness Month and a good time to remind ourselves to think FAST when it comes to a stroke:

F - Facial drooping

A - Arm weakness

S - Speech impairment

T - Time…it is of the essence! Don’t hesitate! Get to the emergency room!

Kurt Hinrichs is more of a golfer than a fisherman, but he’s so grateful that Martin and the team at St. Luke’s reeled in a big one three years ago.