I Knew the Signs — But I Still Didn’t Realize I Was Having a Stroke

By Katina Rankin

FAST.

That’s how quickly my life changed.

It’s also the acronym people are taught to remember when someone may be having a stroke:

Face drooping.
Arm weakness.
Speech difficulty.
Time to call 911.

The thing is — I knew the signs.

I’ve emceed heart and stroke events in Memphis, including Go Red for Women programs. I’ve interviewed survivors. I’ve shared their stories publicly.

Still, when I was having a stroke, I did not recognize it.

Because my symptoms were not what I expected.

I was at my mother’s house working on an upcoming nonprofit activity connected to my Read and Rise Project for children. Around 6 p.m., I decided to take a short break, make coffee and watch the evening news before returning to work.

I walked into the kitchen, made the coffee and headed toward the guest bedroom.

Then suddenly, I fell.

I remember thinking, “How clumsy of me.”

I got up, cleaned the spilled coffee, went back into the kitchen and made another cup.

But something still did not feel right.

I felt exhausted. I was short of breath and had a terrible headache on the right side of my head.

I told my mother I wasn’t feeling well and planned to lie down for a little while. She asked if I wanted to go to urgent care or the emergency room.

I said no.

I thought maybe I just needed rest.

The next morning around 5 a.m., I tried getting out of bed and immediately fell again. I sat on the side of the bed, gathered myself and tried once more.

I fell a second time.

My right leg felt numb. I was dizzy. I called out for my mother.

She urged me to go to the doctor, but even then, I still did not think I was experiencing a stroke. I convinced myself I could rest a little longer and attend a nonprofit meeting later that morning.

A few hours later, I still did not feel better, so I called my nurse practitioner’s office. My regular NP was unavailable, but another nurse practitioner answered the phone instead of the receptionist.

She asked why I needed to speak with my provider.

After listening to everything that had happened, she said words that stopped me cold:

“It sounds like you’re having a stroke.”

I remember staring at the clock and thinking, “These aren’t the symptoms people talk about.”

Then I realized I wanted to ask her another question.

I called back.

But this time, every word came out slurred.

I immediately hung up and screamed, “Momma!”

And in that moment, everything changed.

Stroke Symptoms Are Not Always Textbook

During Stroke Awareness Month, health professionals continue urging the public to recognize that strokes do not always appear the same way in every person.

While many people know the FAST acronym, additional symptoms can include:

• sudden severe headache,
• dizziness,
• numbness,
• confusion,
• trouble walking,
• blurred vision,
• fatigue,
• or balance problems.

Medical experts say delaying treatment can permanently affect speech, mobility and brain function.

Every minute matters during a stroke because blood flow to the brain becomes interrupted.

According to national health data, Black Americans are nearly twice as likely to experience a stroke and are more likely to have one at younger ages. High blood pressure, diabetes, stress and limited healthcare access continue contributing to higher stroke risks throughout Mississippi and across the South.

“Please Listen to Your Body”

Looking back now, I realize how easily I dismissed symptoms because they did not match what I believed a stroke should look like.

That is why I decided to share this story publicly.

Please listen to your body.

Do not ignore sudden headaches, dizziness, numbness or speech changes.

Do not convince yourself you are “just tired.”

Call 911 immediately if something feels wrong.

Do not try to drive yourself.

A few reminders health professionals encourage people to follow:

• Know your blood pressure numbers.
• Schedule regular health screenings.
• Manage diabetes and heart conditions.
• Reduce stress when possible.
• Seek medical attention immediately if symptoms appear.

Stroke Resources and Support

American Stroke Association
1-888-4-STROKE

Stroke Family Warmline
1-888-4-STROKE

Mississippi State Department of Health
601-576-7400

988 Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 for emotional support

Stroke survivors and caregivers can also contact local hospitals and rehabilitation centers for support groups and recovery resources.

Awareness matters.

Conversations matter.

Lives depend on it.

May is Stroke Awareness Month, but this message matters every day.

Please pay attention to your body.

It could save your life.