Postal Worker Makes Full Recovery From Stroke Thanks to Wife’s Quick Reaction

Postal Worker Makes Full Recovery From Stroke Thanks to Wife's Quick Reaction

A Stroke Survivor’s Journey to Recovery: How Time Was of the Essence

Levan Singletary, also known as “Van,” had no idea that his morning routine on that fateful day would take a sudden, life-altering turn. Like any other morning, his alarm buzzed at 5:15 a.m., reminding him to move his car for street sweeping. Little did he know, this seemingly mundane task would be the catalyst for a life-saving sequence of events.

Van lived in Aliso Viejo, California with his wife, Angela, near the picturesque Laguna Beach. As he quietly left their apartment envisioning an additional hour of sleep before work, Angela, who was already awake but still lounging in bed, questioned why he was leaving on his day off. To Van’s surprise, he realized he had mistakenly believed he was scheduled to work that day. In addition to his regular job, he also had evening shifts with the city’s parks and recreation department four nights a week. Angela voiced her concern about his workaholic tendencies, believing that he was taking on too much.

As both lay on their sides, facing the same direction, Van instinctively reached out to embrace his wife. This unexpected display of affection was accompanied by a playful raspberry sound. However, just as he did so, his body jerked back. Confused, Angela turned around to confront Van’s unusual response. She questioned him but received no answer. Concerned, she asked if he was okay, to which he responded with a casual, “I’m fine.” Although Van appeared normal, his body seemed unusually still.

Angela persisted, urging him to sit up. Van attempted to comply, but his body stopped at a strange angle, hindering any further movement. Fear gripped Angela as she recalled her father’s experience with a stroke in his later years. Although Van, who was just 54 years old and had no previous health issues, seemed convinced that everything was normal, Angela trusted her instincts and suspected a stroke. Seconds later, her suspicions were confirmed as the left side of Van’s body began to droop.

With a sense of urgency, Angela swiftly dialed 911 and conveyed her fears, informing them that her husband was experiencing a stroke. She then sprang into action, meticulously preparing Van for the journey to the hospital. She dressed him in socks and added extra layers of care, washing his face, applying lotion, and even brushing his beard. Meanwhile, Van continuously asked Angela, “What do you see?” Seeking to comfort him, she evaded the question while assuring him that everything would be alright. Van even insisted that she gather his work clothes so he could proceed straight to work from the hospital. However, Angela firmly convinced him that work was not on the agenda for that day.

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True to Angela’s fears, Van’s prompt medical attention proved crucial. Within 15 minutes, paramedics arrived and transported him to a nearby stroke center hospital. Van received treatment involving a drug that dissolves blood clots and improves blood flow to the brain. Administered within three hours (potentially 4.5 hours for certain patients), this clot-busting drug significantly enhances stroke recovery chances. Despite an hour’s delay from the onset of Van’s symptoms to treatment, the transformation was immediate.

By the time Angela arrived at the hospital, she was met with the comforting sight of Van sitting up and enjoying breakfast. Doctors commended Angela for her swift actions in seeking medical help. The relatively short timeframe between the appearance of symptoms and treatment significantly contributed to Van’s remarkable recovery.

Van’s stroke was triggered by a tear in his carotid artery, leaving doctors with several viable repair options. Unfortunately, the following day brought another unexpected setback. While both Van and Angela were anxiously awaiting news from their insurance provider, Van experienced a second stroke. Angela quickly recognized the telltale signs and immediately called for medical assistance. Rushed into the operating room, Van underwent a successful procedure to repair the tear. Additionally, a stent was placed to ensure the artery remained open.

Van remained in the hospital for several days under observation. Fortunately, both physical and speech therapists could not detect any deficits in his functions. By Saturday, Van was back home, steadily regaining his strength. On Sunday, he confidently power-walked around Aliso Viejo, eagerly preparing to resume work on Monday.

However, Angela and Van decided to make several changes following the ordeal. Instead of continuing his role as a mail carrier for the U.S. Postal Service, Van decided to transition into a training position for others. Nevertheless, he still actively maintained his parks and recreation job. Embracing this new lease on life, Van acknowledged that although he had always been a diligent worker, it was time to take things slower.

Angela, who had not worked outside of their home after raising their two sons, recognized the importance of independence and self-reliance. Determined to establish her own financial autonomy, she secured a job and began building credit in her name.

Motivated by their experience, Van became an advocate for stroke awareness, passionately championing the mantra “time is brain.” Whenever given the opportunity, he shares his story, ensuring that others do not underestimate the signs of a stroke. Addressing groups, often consisting of up to 250 postal workers, Van emphasizes the critical role played by swift action, crediting his wife for initiating prompt medical intervention that led to his remarkable recovery.

Van’s journey serves as a testament to the incredible resilience of the human spirit and the importance of timely stroke intervention. By acting swiftly and seeking immediate medical attention, Van not only survived, but he also thrived, spreading awareness and inspiring others to prioritize their health. His story is a reminder that every second counts when it comes to strokes.

This article was written by Diane Daniel for the American Heart Association News. Please note that not all views expressed in this story reflect the official position of the American Heart Association. Copyright is owned or held by the American Heart Association, Inc., and all rights are reserved.