Herbert Valfer

            My name is Herbert Valfer and I would like to share with you my stroke story.  I have had two strokes in my lifetime, my first stroke was in November 2012. I was sitting in my kitchen having just finished eating my dinner when I noticed I was drooling from the right side of my mouth. I yelled for my son who was in the other rooms but all that was coming out of my mouth was illegible sounds. I proceeded with my finger to draw 911 on the table and pointed to the phone.  I was taken by ambulance to Good Samaritan Hospital in West Islip, where a medication was administered intravenously to dissolve the blockage. The medication helped because my speech became more coherent shortly after.  Four days later my speech improved even further from my initial onset symptoms.  As part of my post care rehab I was in speech therapy for two months.
            My second stroke was more recent it was on February 10, 2018.  I was sitting on my couch watching television, I tried to get up holding onto the arm rest and coffee table for support with my right hand, it was at this point I realized I had no strength in my right hand. My right sided weakness caused me to fall to the floor and I was in and out of consciousness.  I was once again taken to Good Samaritan Hospital by ambulance for treatment, most of the ambulance ride I was unconscious.  It was not until I arrived in the emergency room that I regained consciousness.  I went up to the new stoke ward that just opened in October and was there for four to five days. On about the second or third day I became aware that I had several exams preformed on me. One of which was an emergent lifesaving procedure performed by Dr. Bekelis and the Stroke and Brain Aneurysm team to remove the clot from my brain.
Since my discharge from the hospital my medication has changed to Eliquis 5mg twice a day Atorvastatin 80mg which I take once a day along with one baby aspirin a day.  I do not have any side effects from this stroke.  Jason, one of the neurovascular technicians could not believe how well I looked two weeks after my stroke.    Thank god for Dr. Bekelis and is team and the nurses in the stroke ward.  If it was not for them, I would not be here today.  
Since my stroke I became very paranoid and cautious. I ordered myself a warning device from a company called, “Mobile Help” which I wear in case I have a medical emergency.  If I am in need of help, I press the button on my device it sends a signal to them right away.  The device gives me peace of mind that help is not far if I am alone in my house.