Read about my recent experience:

A few weeks ago as I was driving to work on I-459, I had a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA).  In common lingo it was a ministroke.  I had reached for the CD player to change tracks, and I couldn't feel or push the button.  I thought it was the bumping of the road causing me to not touch the button.  So I grabbed back for the steering wheel and my hand went limp in my lap.  I thought I might go on to work (only a few minutes away), but then I realized I couldn't.  A wise choice because I would have had to make that US-280 fly-over ramp, weave across three lanes of traffic and make the hairpin right turn all with just my left hand.

I was already in the right lane, so I looked for wide shoulder to pull onto.  I got on the shoulder and as far from traffic as I could.  My right foot would not press on the brake so I used my left foot also and pressed hard.

After stopping, I unlocked the doors, used my left hand to put it in park and reached across with left hand and got cell phone from right side of waist.

I called 911.  I tried calling my office but no one was there yet, I was still about 6:45.  (Sara told me later she awoke with a start about that time.)  Then I called my pastor.   I wanted him and his wife to get the car.  After paramedics got there I asked one of them to call my wife but he couldn't get my phone to work.  I used it myself and called Sara.

Have you ever had a ride in an ambulance going code 3 to the hospital?  That was some ride.

I was kept overnight and a number of tests were run.  No brain damage.  The tests were also looking for where a clot might have broken off and traveled to the brain.  Couldn't find anything.  I have since studied up on this at mayoclinic.com.

I travel 459 with both hands since the others drive it like they are NASCAR wannabees.  I know there was another hand on the wheel with me getting the car safely off the road.  GOD blessed me that day.

David Meadows