Stroke survivor shares his story during Stroke Month

On March 7, 2023, Bill Ratliff (67) had a stroke while on a ladder and holding a chainsaw. He was at home doing yard work when the stroke occurred.

“My right arm went completely numb. I thought I had cut it off with the chainsaw,” said Bill. “I heard a pop and began experiencing tunnel vision.”

Luckily, Bill’s wife Karen was also outside and recognized that something was wrong. Bill safely made it down from the ladder. However, when Karen tried to communicate with Bill, he was slurring his speech. She called 911.

While waiting for EMS, the 911 dispatcher had Karen talk to Bill. She asked him to stick his tongue out, smile and move his face. He was having trouble.

When EMS arrived, they confirmed Bill was likely having a stroke. 30 minutes later, they arrived at Dell Seton Medical Center at The University of Texas.

Doctors completed an MRI to confirm Bill’s stroke. In less than an hour since the stroke began, Bill received a drug called tenecteplase. Almost immediately, his symptoms subsided and he was back to normal.

Tenecteplase is a newer-generation clot-busting drug that outperforms the traditional treatment for ischemic strokes in several key areas, including better health outcomes and lower costs, according to a study published today in the American Stroke Association’s journal Stroke.

Ascension Texas hospitals were some of the first to offer tenecteplase to patients for the treatment of stroke. Just over a week later, Bill was doing well back at home.

“Before the stroke, I lacked energy and would become painfully tired,” said Bill. “Now, I am watching my diet, taking my medication, and relaxing more.”

Today, Bill is enjoying life on his ranch with Karen, keeping up with his adult sons, and reflecting on his health.

“If I could tell my friends anything, it would be to pay more attention to aches and pains,” said Bill.