{"id":6338,"date":"2019-05-05T05:46:04","date_gmt":"2019-05-05T09:46:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/dreamgates\/?p=6338"},"modified":"2019-05-07T13:47:08","modified_gmt":"2019-05-07T17:47:08","slug":"christian-stroke-survivors-story-second-chance-living","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/dreamgates\/2019\/05\/christian-stroke-survivors-story-second-chance-living.html","title":{"rendered":"A Christian Stroke Survivor’s Story of a Second Chance at Living"},"content":{"rendered":"

Christian Broadcast Network (CBN) founder, Pat Robertson has returned to TV just ten days after suffering a stroke. The 87-year-old televangelist made an appearance on \u201cThe 700 Club\u201d for the first time since he suffered an embolic stroke in February.<\/span><\/p>\n

Back on Air<\/b><\/p>\n

“I’m back,” said Robertson. “I’m back on television!”. He thanked God for transforming what could have been a \u201ccrippling illness\u201d into \u201cmiraculous healing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

It turns out that the vibrant televangelist didn\u2019t even know he was having a stroke. It was his daughter-in-law who saw that he was having problems speaking and in maintaining his balance. She promptly called for medical assistance.<\/span><\/p>\n

Once in hospital, he was given tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), which dissolves clots. Just minutes later, he once again became cognizant and could move his legs and arms. In a release, the CBN referred to it as a \u201ctPA miracle.\u201d In the same release, Robertson and his family heaped praise on the medical professionals who cared for him.<\/span><\/p>\n

A Miracle<\/b><\/p>\n

Robertson Snr., who founded the TV show in 1966, described\u00a0<\/span>his recovery<\/span><\/a> as a \u201cmiracle.\u201d He said that every minute a stroke remains untreated, two million brain cells die. He was fortunate that his stroke was just beginning when his daughter-in-law realized something was wrong.<\/span><\/p>\n

Robertson is delighted to be back in action and to carry on with his duties. He expressed his gratitude for the love and care showered upon him by his loved ones and his fans across the globe. He agrees that the recovery is nothing less than a miracle. It could have been a long crippling illness but God had some other plans for him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Gordon Robertson, the televangelist\u2019s son appeared on the network to thank everyone who had prayed for his father\u2019s recovery. Robertson Junior is the company\u2019s current CEO.<\/span><\/p>\n

So, what is an embolic stroke?<\/b><\/p>\n

An embolic stroke takes place when a blood clot that has formed somewhere in the body breaks free and travels to the brain through the blood vessels. The brain depends on arteries close to it to feed it blood from the lungs and heart.<\/span><\/p>\n

The blood brings oxygen and nutrients to the brain to enable it to function. In the case of an embolic stroke, the clot lodges in an artery, blocking blood flow to the brain.<\/span><\/p>\n

When an artery is blocked, the brain is unable to produce enough energy for proper functioning. This can result in the death of brain cells if the blockage continues for more than a few minutes. This is a stroke. Without quick treatment,\u00a0<\/span>the outcomes<\/span><\/a> could be brain damage, disability, or even death, so time is of the essence.<\/span><\/p>\n

Stroke Symptoms<\/b><\/p>\n

It is important to know the symptoms of a stroke for both you and others. As Robertson said, time is critical. The quicker a stroke victim can get treatment, the more likely for a complete\u00a0<\/span>stroke recovery<\/span><\/a>. Keep an eye out for the following FACT symptoms if you suspect a stroke:<\/span><\/p>\n