From Beyoncé to Blackout and Beyond

The New Alyson Makes “Miraculous Recovery”

By Alyson McCord

My childhood friend Dorri came to New Orleans on Friday where we planned to meet for some fun and for Beyoncé’s Formation World Tour concert. I live in Baton Rouge, approximately an hour away; “I woke up early and smiling on September 24, 2016, to get on the road; I was so excited to see my friend.”  

I got to New Orleans and the sun was shining, and the temperature was a warm 94 degrees. We went to the French Market to shop as planned. But when we got there, I started feeling dizzy, lost my balance and felt confused. Of course, I thought that it was because of the heat, so I drank a bottle of water and sat on a bench next to a lady who happened to be a nurse. We started chatting and I also told her that I am an attorney.  

Those were the last words that I remembered saying to her. I blacked out. An ambulance was called and Dorri came right over. As we were getting in the ambulance, an emergency medical technician asked me questions. I attempted to give him answers, but my words were garbled. I tried again and again, and I couldn’t find my words. I felt instant confusion and fear before I blacked out again.

When I woke up, I was in a room surrounded by medical professionals asking for my mother’s phone number. I could only tell them the area code and the next three numbers before I blacked out yet again. When I woke up this time, I was disoriented. I told Dorri to go to the concert and that I would be fine.

Little did I know my entire existence would be snatched away in an instant. When I woke up, I was so confused. I started panicking. I didn’t know this new Alyson who could not think, talk or walk. My right side felt so heavy. I could understand what the doctors were saying, but when I attempted to respond, I could not get the words out.

I had six transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) in January 2016. TIAs are commonly referred to as mini strokes. My blood pressure was uncontrollable at that time, which is a major risk factor for stroke.

I went into a rehabilitation hospital that included a physical therapist, a speech therapist and an occupational therapist. Therapy lasted for five months. During that time, I learned the signs of a stroke, using the acronym F.A.S.T — F is for Face drooping, A is for Arm weakness, S is for speech Difficulty and T is for time to call 911.  

Doctors and therapists say I have made a miraculous recovery. I can still practice law, but my speech remains somewhat impaired, and my right side is weaker than my left side.  

Overall, I’m so thankful and overjoyed for my ongoing recovery.

For more information on this health topic, visit stroke.org.

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