He Is There

What a relief when I saw it. A badge saying, “Dr. Gregory Hood, MDVIP.” I thought to myself, “He is here.”

I don’t consider myself to be an anxious person, but it is anxiety producing to experience a major medical event and be there alone. That was not the case for me on August 23, 2023. That day was my daughter’s birthday; this year it was a milestone birthday and we had big plans to celebrate that evening. But that morning there was a shift of events. I was at an integrative medicine facility working with an outstanding physical therapist to strengthen my core. I had been referred there by Dr. Hood. Suddenly I unexpectedly lost my balance; that’s when my guardian angels started working overtime. My PT realized my balance was off and checked me out, then suggested I be examined by the neurologist on staff at the facility. The neurologist noticed I was leaning to the left, did a brief assessment, then suggested I go to the ER as soon as possible. Luckily the ER was across the street. My daughter was only 3 minutes away and got me to the ER right away. One of my best friends, who happens to be a doctor, rode with me from that ER to a different hospital better equipped to address neurological issues. At that hospital I was assigned a neurosurgeon and a neurologist. Some of this I didn’t fully remember until later. I had every test imaginable. Turned out: no aneurysm, no seizures, good veins but it was determined I had a brain bleed. No cause was determined for the brain bleed.

Originally, my memory was somewhat foggy. I believe that is because I had undergone a significant, traumatic, life-threatening event; too traumatic to process at the time. I was told by my doctor friend that it is probably good I don’t remember much about that time. I could not sit up without leaning, almost collapsing to the left; my left side had forgotten its existence. I couldn’t wiggle my toes on my left foot or raise my left leg or left arm. Also, it was like the core of my body had been struck by lightning. I felt very little muscle strength in my mid-section.

I did have a blood clot while in the hospital in the left leg so my medical team decided to put a filter in my vena cava vein to catch any possible clots that could happen in the future.

When I woke up from the primary procedures and tests, I remember seeing the doctors as they were following up with patients during their rounds. They came by to share with me my health status and give me a chance to ask questions. They were all awesome but the one that stood out for me is the one with a badge saying: Dr. Gregory Hood, MDVIP

He was there. He was in the picture from the moment my balance was off with the PT, throughout the hospital stay and during the 3 rehabs afterwards. After being discharged from rehab he shepherded me through COVID during the Christmas holidays, headaches that took me to the ER to rule out another brain bleed; it seemed like there was one thing after another. I was always able to reach him even when he was in an airplane on a trip and even when he was at an important university basketball game. He was always there.

At my follow up with the neurologist I was informed that my most recent brain scans revealed a completely healed brain. My memory and cognitive functions were/are intact. I’m continuing with PT and have returned to my previous exercise regimen. Now, I am well on the road to recovery. Dr. Gregory Hood is a very big reason why.

Thank you, Dr. Hood, for being there.