Union City Resident James Bell recognized something was seriously wrong when stroke symptoms struck. Three months later, he’s working his way back.
In early June, James H. Bell of Union City was working in his garden when he suddenly became dizzy and so weak he could hardly stand.
“I managed to get up, but I needed to lean on the house to hold me up,” said Bell, a 78-year-old retired grocery store owner. He called his girlfriend, who immediately dialed 911.
“I knew it was bad,” shared Bell, a father of two, grandfather of nine and great-grandfather of five. He realized he needed emergency care and wanted to get to a hospital equipped to treat a stroke.
The ambulance staff asked the Vietnam War veteran if he wanted to go to Washington Health or another hospital. “I chose Washington Health because I remembered it had a trauma center and could treat strokes,” he recalled. Earlier that year, Bell had attended a Washington Health Speakers Bureau presentation on stroke emergencies at the Rotary Club of Fremont, where he is president.
Three months later, Bell continues to recover from weakness and difficulty walking. He is looking forward to returning to his part-time work, volunteering and traveling.
He is grateful to be alive and thankful for the care he received at Washington Health. “It’s an excellent organization. I had a neurologist and a team of doctors. All the nurses really show how much they care.”
Bell is receiving physical therapy at home through a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs contractor. He has progressed from a walker to a cane as he works to regain strength and improve his balance and walking.
Understanding Stroke
According to the American Stroke Association, all strokes are medical emergencies. The two main types occur when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked or when a blood vessel in or near the brain ruptures. Treatments differ, and many are time sensitive, making rapid emergency evaluation critical.
Bell arrived at Washington Health quickly and was hospitalized for 12 days. He said Dr. Sandeep Walia, the neurologist and stroke specialist who treated him, told him he was fortunate and expected to continue recovering.
Recognizing the Signs
The American Stroke Association uses B.E. F.A.S.T. to help people recognize common stroke warning signs:
B: Balance loss
E: Eye (vision) changes
F: Face drooping
A: Arm weakness
S: Speech difficulty
T: Time to call 911
Bell recalls being weak but still able to speak. He also experienced vision problems, vomiting and difficulty with balance and walking. He credits the Washington Health team’s quick response with helping him begin his recovery.
He hopes to continue building strength and eventually return to driving when medically cleared. “I’m not a patient person,” he pointed out, “but I have to be. I’m not going to quit living.” Bell is president of the Washington Township’s Men’s Club and a local motorcycle club, and prepares taxes for more than 100 clients — a skill he learned after retiring as a grocer.
Bell, who had a heart attack last year, also has several stroke risk factors, including blood pressure and cholesterol issues, diabetes and a family history. The experience has made him more vocal with friends and family about taking possible stroke symptoms seriously.
According to the American Stroke Association, up to 80% of strokes may be prevented by managing risk factors and adopting healthy lifestyle habits, including controlling blood pressure, managing conditions such as diabetes, avoiding tobacco and being physically active.
To learn more about stroke care at Washington Health, visit washingtonhealth.com/stroke, and watch “Finding the Words: Life After Stroke” on the Washington Health YouTube channel at youtube.com/@Washington_Health.