Don McKay and Dr. Erik Bostrom, Riverwood family physician
A native of Aitkin, Minn., Don McKay never imagined his first trip for hospital care would be caused by a stroke. Knowing what stroke symptoms look like helped Don and his wife, Joane, get fast medical care at Riverwood Healthcare Center.
McKay shares his outstanding treatment experience and outcome.
“Joane and I were watching the Lawrence Welk Show when I suddenly found my right arm falling off the arm of the chair into my lap. Joane noticed that my speech was garbled too so she called 9-1-1 right away as we were pretty sure that I was having a stroke.”
The ambulance from Aitkin arrived very fast, within 10 minutes of our phone call. I had slipped off my chair, so the emergency medical techs had to carry me out to the ambulance. I arrived at the Aitkin hospital emergency room where they administered clot-busting medication within 30 minutes of the onset of my stroke symptoms.”
McKay was transferred to CentraCare’s St. Cloud hospital, a Comprehensive Stroke Center, for advanced treatment of his massive stroke. As an Acute Stroke Ready hospital, Riverwood Healthcare Center meets high standards of care for the initial treatment of stroke patients when quick action and proper medication can save lives and limit the long-term disabling effects of a stroke.
Dr. Erik Bostrom, McKay’s primary care physician at Riverwood’s Aitkin clinic, shares advice on stroke care and prevention: “Getting medical care within the first four hours of a stroke is critical to saving lives and preventing long-term disabilities. Talk to your doctor and find out if you are at risk for a stroke and what prevention steps you can take.”
After a one-month stay at Aicota Health Care Center in Aitkin, McKay recovered his ability to walk and resume his regular activities of daily living. Following his stroke, he experienced some weakness in his right hand and leg, but that has now resolved after intensive physical and occupational therapy treatments. With the aid of a cane, he’s back to enjoying his daily two-mile walks at his home in the countryside.
McKay adds, “I had excellent medical care at every point of contact with my medical providers and caregivers. I felt that everyone was looking out for my welfare every step of the way.”