Mother of 3 Faces Life-Threatening Stroke Shortly After Giving Birth

A mother of three from California recounts surviving two perilous incidents within a short timeframe.

Mother of Three Confronts Life-Threatening Stroke

Christina Aleksanian, 36, of Granada Hills, was recovering in the hospital after childbirth to her third child, Stephanie, when she encountered numbness in her hand.

Originally referring to a migraine, she quickly became not responsive while talking with her daughter's pediatrician. Shortly after giving birth to her healthy baby on May 23, 2023, her husband, Gary Galfayan, observed medical personnel hurrying her away for immediate treatment after a stroke was identified.

Following swift medical interference, including a cerebral angiogram and emergency thrombectomy, doctors diagnosed her stroke as a result of a congenital heart defect called patent foramen ovale (PFO), of which she was unaware.

Despite the rarity of her condition, Aleksanian survived without lasting effects. Her husband noted the critical role of the pediatrician in recognizing her symptoms, emphasizing the urgency of her situation.

While recuperating, Aleksanian faced yet another difficulty when her family was involved in a multi-vehicle accident. Miraculously, all family members appeared with minor injuries.

On June 28, Aleksanian and her family were involved in a car accident while driving between medical appointments for herself and her daughter Stephanie.

Their car was struck by another vehicle that had veered off the highway, leading to wounds to six individuals. Despite the harshness of the blast, they were all transferred to the hospital by ambulance and escaped major injuries, including Stephanie, who was only a month old at the time.

As they approach Stephanie's first birthday, Aleksanian comically correlates it to her own "second birthday," reflecting on the near-death encounters they've conquered in the past year.

Both Aleksanian and her husband conveyed appreciation for what they see as a protective force that has kept their family safe throughout their ordeal, though Aleksanian recognizes the emotional challenges of processing their frightening journey.

Read Also: Texas Mother Gives Birth to Baby Girl During Total Solar Eclipse, Names Her 'Sol'

New Mom Experience Stroke After Giving Birth

A recent mother shares how her life drastically changed after experiencing a stroke just two weeks following childbirth. Rachel Gardiner, aged 26 at the time, had the stroke unexpectedly while bringing her baby home from a baby class.

Despite the warning signs, she originally associated her symptoms with fatigue from caring for her newborn. However, two hours later, Rachel collapsed and had a seizure at home, prompting an ambulance to hurry her to the hospital.

Doctors verified she had experienced a stroke, leaving her family worried for her survival. Rachel expressed feeling like she missed out on important milestones, both hers and her daughter's, due to the aftermath of the stroke.

She affirms the significance of hearing one's body and seeking medical attention, regardless of age or perceived harshness of symptoms.

The Stroke Association's study emphasizes the misconception that strokes only affect older individuals, highlighting the need for greater awareness and assistance for young stroke survivors.

Alasdair O'Hara of the Stroke Association emphasizes the importance of challenging this misinterpretation and guaranteeing that stroke survivors get the required assistance to rebuild their lives.

The Stroke Association offers numerous services to aid stroke survivors in their recuperating journey, including communication and emotional support, peer mentorship, and helpline aid.

They urge people to reach out for support and information, intensifying that stroke survivors should not miss out on life's important milestones.

Related Article: Two Mothers Who Delivered Triplets at Same Hospital Have Forged a Deep Friendship