Virginia Candia of Woodstock had never been formally diagnosed with vertigo, but she suspected she had experienced an episode just before her visit to the emergency room.
The night before, her husband had noticed something was amiss — Virginia wasn’t acting like herself. She expressed numbness in her left arm and experienced bouts of dizziness. On March 29, 2024, the couple decided to seek medical help.
Virginia arrived at Northside Hospital Cherokee, where providers and staff immediately suspected symptoms of a stroke and sprang into action, admitting Virginia and providing the necessary care with efficiency and compassion. Vascular surgeon Dr. Cheney Wilson performed a carotid thrombectomy and endarterectomy surgery. The entire team was exceptional and Dr. Wilson made the experience much less daunting than she had feared.
The surgery proved to be surprisingly straightforward. Virginia had indeed suffered a stroke. During surgery, Dr. Wilson discovered a clot in Virginia’s right carotid artery and a tumor behind it. Fortunately, the tumor turned out to be benign and Dr. Wilson was able to remove it by performing a carotid body tumor excision.
“If it hadn’t been for Dr. Wilson’s timely intervention, I often wonder where I might be today,” Virginia said. “The care I received at Northside was outstanding and I feel fortunate to have such strong support, especially from my devoted husband, Tom.”
Virginia’s symptoms initially affected her left side, leading to partial paralysis from her shoulder down to her leg and foot. Regaining her strength required considerable effort, but rehabilitation proved remarkably effective. She also experienced vision issues following the stroke, which she continues to work through.
“I went on to spend about two and a half weeks of in-home rehabilitation with Center Well,” she said. “Both experiences were highly beneficial and played a significant role in my recovery.”
Today, Virginia must be careful and aware of her movements. She must be sure she holds the rails going up or down the stairs. She had a minor setback when she fell while climbing the steps, but fortunately, her husband was close by and was able to assist her.
Despite the challenges, she has managed well. Performing tasks that were once second nature now requires conscious effort, such as remembering to hold onto objects tightly to prevent her from dropping them. This daily effort, combined with her husband's support and her own determination, bolstered her confidence in her recovery.
A newlywed at 76 years old, Virginia married her husband on his birthday, Feb. 22. They cherish the life they’ve created together. They enjoy working in their yard and spending time together in the kitchen cooking delicious meals. Her husband’s Italian cuisine perfectly complements her southern roots.
Virginia recently retired from Woodstock Parks and Recreation, a position she began in 2016. She looks forward to traveling the world with her husband, starting with a trip to Destin, Florida, and hopefully to Italy in the future.
A recent pedicure and manicure gave her a much-needed spirit boost. It helped her regain a sense of herself, which was invaluable as she worked through the effects of the stroke. Despite still experiencing occasional anxiety and flashbacks, she felt positive that day and was profoundly grateful for the support and care she had received.
Learn more about vascular surgery at Northside Hospital Heart Institute.
Pictured: (l-r) Tom Candia, Dr. Cheney Wilson and Virginia Candia.
