Surviving and Thriving: One Patient’s Journey of Stroke Recovery with Frederick Health

When Betsy Q, experienced a stroke in July 2024, she knew exactly what was happening.

"This wasn't my first stroke," she explained during a recent interview. "I recognized the symptoms immediately and my husband got me to the hospital right away."

Every second counts during a stroke because brain cells begin to die from a lack of oxygen as soon as their blood supply is interrupted. This can lead to significant and serious issues like brain damage, affected speech, movement, and motor-skill damage. Rapid treatment is crucial to minimizing damage and improving recovery outcomes.

That quick decision led her to Frederick Health Hospital — and what she describes as life-saving, compassionate care.

"The entire Frederick Health team was amazing from the moment I arrived," said Betsy. "I was so relieved that I didn't need to be transferred to another hospital. The Frederick Health Hospital has a dedicated stroke response team right in the ICU and they started my treatment immediately."

Each year, Frederick Health Hospital treats around 500 stroke patients. The stroke care team has been recognized with numerous awards for their often life-saving care. These include winning the national American Heart Association "Get With The Guidelines: Stroke Gold Plus Award" for four consecutive years, earning the Gold Level Beacon Award from the American Association of Critical Care Nurses, and being designated by the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems. Recently the healthcare system was also awarded Gold Status by the Maryland Stroke Center Consortium. 

Frederick Health was also instrumental in making Frederick County the first Stroke Smart County in the nation. This public information campaign aims to help raise awareness about the signs and symptoms of stroke.

Betsy smiled when asked about the team and the treatment facility.

"Honestly, the new ICU felt like a hotel. Everything was so clean and bright. Everyone was absolutely wonderful."

But for Betsy, the real difference was in the way the team treated her - that personal connection.

"The medical care was excellent, no doubt," she said. "But what meant the most is how they communicated. They talked to me like a person, not just a patient. No complicated jargon. Clear, simple language that I could understand and which was exactly what I needed at that time.

After her hospital stay, Betsey's recovery journey continued with Frederick Health’s various stroke support services and programs. 

To learn more about Frederick Health's stroke care, visit this link. 

"I started attending a Stroke Survivors Group hosted by Frederick Health at their Village location," she shared "It's open to people from anywhere in the county too, which is great because not every local hospital offers this kind of support." That group has been a source of strength.

"Meeting other people - mothers and wives - that have gone through what happened to me, it's powerful. We've formed friendships and we keep in touch. We are there for each other. It's healing in a different way."

While Betsy heals her mind, she is also healing her body through Frederick Health’s ProMotion Fitness program, a specialized gym for stroke patients.

"It has been amazing to rebuild my physical strength. Their trainers are experts and work with you on what my body needs, not just some generic therapy or plan. That builds confidence, which is very important in recovery," added Betsy.

Reflecting on the experience, she is full of gratitude.

"From the time I set foot in the Emergency Department to my treatment and all these specialized groups and programs, Frederick Health has been there every step of the way. I can't thank their amazing team enough."

To learn more about Frederick Health's stroke program, visit this link.