How Fast Action and Skilled Care Helped Trinity Health Patient Overcome Stroke

Photo: Kitui and Bob, home from the hospital

Ann Arbor native Bob Ransom, 79, spent most of his adult life working in international development across Africa, working with organizations to provide vocational skills training and work opportunities for youth and adults with disabilities. Being physically healthy was important to Bob, and his hard work over a long and successful career reflected that. Even when he retired in 2022 and relocated to Ann Arbor with his family, Bob continued to focus on staying active by regularly going on walks with his wife, Kitui.

But a lifetime of good health instantly changed last September. After working outdoors with his son, Bob went inside to relax. He was on the phone when he suddenly slumped over and felt his phone slip out of his hand. Kitui noticed his speech started becoming slurred, so she had their son call 9-1-1.

What followed was a rapid and life-saving response by the team at Trinity Health Ann Arbor. Bob was quickly assessed, and a brain scan revealed he had suffered a stroke caused by a blood clot in his brain due to Atrial Fibrillation, a heart rhythm problem that commonly goes undetected. The medical team took immediate action to remove the clot, preventing any permanent damage.

Bob credits his family for acting quickly, as well as the fast work by his team of doctors and nurses that ultimately saved him from lasting impairments.

“I didn’t lose speech, walking, or any other major functions,” Bob said. “It was a total recovery, and I owe it to the fast response of the Trinity Health team. They had everything ready when I arrived and knew exactly what to do.”

Bob spent three nights of close monitoring at the hospital. His wife and son were always around to provide him support and comfort.

“The team was incredibly professional, competent, and friendly,” Bob recalls. “It was a real team effort, and everyone knew exactly what to do to make sure I was recovering properly.”

Bob was encouraged to stay active upon discharge, so he instantly got back to going on walks with Kitui. Due to his Atrial Fibrillation, Bob was advised to get a pacemaker, which was implanted in January and has been working without issue ever since.

Dr. Mohamad Orabi, a neurosurgeon at Trinity Health Ann Arbor and the physician that treated Bob for his stroke, reiterated that fast intervention is key for anyone who suffers a stroke.

“Stroke recovery can be a remarkable journey of resilience,” Dr. Orabi said. “It restores not only the function, but the hope for patients and their families for a vibrant future. Bob’s journey highlights how a thrombectomy, paired with rehabilitation and an excellent mindset, can pave the way for an excellent recovery and inspire us all.”

Reflecting on his health scare, Bob feels more vulnerable about his health post-stroke, but he also has a better understanding of the importance of being prepared, recognizing stroke symptoms and acting quickly. He emphasized the significance of “B.E.F.A.S.T,” which stands for Balance, Eyes, Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, and Time to call 9-1-1. These are the most common signs of a stroke and the most appropriate actions to take.

“I never thought a stroke could lead to a full recovery,” Bob said, looking back on his journey. “But with the right care, it’s possible. I’m incredibly grateful for the team at Trinity Health, who made a difference in my life.”

Find out more about stroke treatment and recovery options at Trinity Health by going to www.trinityhealthmichigan.org/services/neurosciences/programs-and-clinics/stroke-and-cerebrovascular-disease.