Stroke Has Many Faces: My Three-Stroke Journey of Awareness, Faith, and Healing
A stroke can change life in an instant, but it also reveals strength, resilience, and the power of faith. This stroke recovery journey shares a personal testimony of awareness, healing, and trust in God through multiple stroke experiences. It offers encouragement to those facing health challenges and reminds us that hope and restoration are always possible.
Pay Attention to Every Unusual Sign — It May Save a Life
Stroke does not come in one form. It has many faces, many warning signs, and many lessons. Through my own life experience, I have learned that listening to your body, using available healthcare, and trusting God through every circumstance can make the difference between fear and hope, loss and restoration.
This is my testimony of three ischemic strokes—in 2022, 2023, and 2024—and how faith, medical care, and gratitude carried me through.
The Body’s Fight-or-Flight Response
The phrase “fight or flight” refers to the body’s instinctive survival response when facing danger. Adrenaline is released, preparing the body to confront or escape a threat. In my case, my body had already been under stress from diabetes and COVID-19. I thought I had warned my body enough—but the stroke came in unexpected ways.
Stroke One – March 2022
The first stroke came silently.
At 3:00 a.m. on a Monday, after going to bed following a blog post, I turned onto my favorite side and suddenly saw the ceiling moving in a circular motion. There was no pain, no headache, and no warning I recognized.
I went to the kitchen, had snacks, then a tangerine—but the symptoms didn’t stop. Soon, I began vomiting repeatedly, even water would not stay down. From 3:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m., I endured this unfamiliar experience before calling 911.
At the hospital, a CT scan showed nothing, but an MRI revealed a small ischemic stroke. I stayed two nights and was discharged with medication.
Lesson:
Stroke can happen without pain. Dizziness and vomiting alone can be serious warning signs.
Stroke Two – May 2023
The second stroke felt mild at first.
I woke up feeling light-headed. I had a routine appointment that day and felt fine the night before. On the way home, the light-headedness returned, and my blood pressure began rising.
After lunch, it worsened. I went to the emergency room, where I suddenly began vomiting again. Remembering my first stroke, I told the doctor. Once more, initial scans showed nothing—but the MRI confirmed another stroke.
I stayed one night in the hospital and was discharged with medication.
Lesson:
Never ignore light-headedness, high blood pressure, or vomiting—especially if you have risk factors.
Stroke Three – June 2024
The third stroke was the most severe.
After lunch, I felt unusually full and uncomfortable and lay down to rest. During a phone call, my son suddenly said, “Mami, you’re not talking well. I can’t understand you.”
The next thing I saw was paramedics surrounding me. I had suffered a stroke while lying in bed. My right side was paralyzed—my arm and leg would not move.
I spent one week in the hospital, followed by another week in therapy, and continued outpatient rehabilitation.
The Aftermath and Recovery
After the third stroke, I faced:
Weight loss
Muscle loss
Anemia
Liver complications
Walking with a walker
Using a wheelchair and pushchair
Yet today—December 28, 2025—I say this with gratitude and faith:
I am healed. I am walking.
Three Strokes, Three Warning Signs
Each stroke came with a different signal:
Circular motion and vomiting
Light-headedness with rising blood pressure
Discomfort after eating, unclear speech, and paralysis
Stroke symptoms are not always dramatic. Sometimes they whisper before they scream.
Faith, Healing, and Gratitude
Throughout this journey, I trusted:
Available healthcare, which God has provided
God’s healing power, which sustained me
Faith and hope in Jesus Christ, who never left my side
In every circumstance—fearful or hopeful—I thank Almighty God. He remains the source of life, strength, and healing.
- Final Encouragement
Listen to your body. Seek help immediately. Do not delay care.
And above all—do not lose faith.
God is present in hospital rooms, therapy sessions, weakness, and recovery.
To Him be all the glory. - If this story has encouraged you, continue your journey of healing, faith, and personal growth:
Download your Free Guide:
https://thediasporaoasis.com/free-christian-family-wisdom-guide
Get the Companion Workbook:
https://thediasporaoasis.com/wisdom-workbook - Thank you for reading.
- Your engagement and growth encourage me, just as I hope these words encourage you on our shared journey. 💛
Gatungo-Njiraini™
Founder — Diaspora Oasis Wisdom™
Wisdom for Today. Legacy for Generations