Carotid Artery Dissection/Stroke - My Story

I figured I'd share my story since it may be able to help some on this board in the future at least be more cautious and more attentive listening to your body. It also helps me to "talk" about it. Long story short I had a Carotid Dissection lead to 3 small strokes on 10/01/19, while out running in Chicago while on vacation. I didn't tell my wife or anyone about the first one as I was thinking (hoping) it was just dehydration/electrolyte imbalance. I didn't think it was a damn stroke, I am in the best shape of my life. Well it was, and I could have saved myself another couple spots on my brain if I had said something the first time. Lesson 1.

The more and more I read up on this prognosis of dissection, it's basically all very active people under 45 that it happens to. Alot of runners, cross fitters, BJJ, weight lifters. Low cholesterol and low body fat are actually RISK FACTORS. Totally opposite of what I would have thought.

I've been through a multitude of genetic, clotting disorder, connective tissue disorder, FMD etc testing and no cause has been found, except for a deep tissue massage I had a week earlier. This very well could have tore the artery and started the process. Otherwise it's just labeled as spontaneous, which I don't like. Those of you into deep tissue massages maybe have them go easy on the neck. Lesson 2.

As far as recovery, I've pretty much made a full recovery and back to some light running, cycling, weights. Although very cautious and fighting psychological barriers with running especially. Being in shape when in happened certainly helped.

My main takeaway and what I hope others can learn from is to listen to your body and don't downplay anything it may be telling you. I know that's cliche', but it's the truth. Especially if you're into the things that most of us on this board are as far as exertion and also therapy (massage/chiro).