Posted: June 27, 2022
So Me 20220531 Strokemonth

One April day, John Smits was in his basement when he noticed a sharp pain near his left hip that quickly became facial drooping, slurred speech, numbness and weakness on the left side of his body. After realizing his symptoms, John knew he was having a stroke.

“At first I couldn’t believe it was happening to me” John says. “My wife came downstairs to help and called 9-1-1 immediately.”

Shortly after the call an ambulance was quickly dispatched. When paramedics arrived they were able to recognise the signs of stroke and called the stroke team at Grand River Hospital to alert them that a stroke patient is on their way.

In potential stroke cases like this, the hospital initiates a “Code Stroke” which signals teams from the lab, emergency room and medical imaging’s CT scan ahead of time to provide immediate assistance when the patient arrives for quick diagnosis and care.

“Time is brain; which means the sooner the right interventions happen, the better chance stroke patients have for a good outcome, and fewer long-term deficits following their stroke,” explains Dr. Kaleel, GRH’s stroke specialist and neurologist.

John’s test results confirmed he had experienced a stroke caused by atrial fibrillation, an irregular and often very rapid heart rhythm that can lead to blood clots in the heart.

After his stroke, John noticed that his memory has faded and he experiences some limitation to his mobility, but he is feeling stronger everyday thanks to regular physiotherapy treatments.


“Until you’ve experienced a stroke for yourself you really have no idea what it is like. During the scariest time of my life, the GRH stroke team made me feel confident that I will live a normal life again,” says John.


My wife and I are thankful that the GRH stroke and rehabilitation teams are apart of my recovery journey. They are always there to answer all my questions and concerns and guide me every step of the way,” John continues, “My advice to anyone would be: know the signs of stroke and call 9-1-1 right away. It can happen to anyone.”

If you suspect someone is having a stroke, please remember the FAST approach and call 9-1-1 if you have any of these symptoms, all of which appear suddenly:

• FACE: is it drooping?;

• ARMS: can you raise them both over your head?;

• SPEECH: is it slurred?;

• TIME to call 9-1-1 right away.