A Soldier's Strength: Jeremy's Inspiring Stroke Recovery

Jeremy Ditlevson, an active-duty soldier who had just returned from his fifth deployment, was cleaning up after an enjoyable dinner with his wife, Jeralyn, and friends. He suddenly paused and sneezed 15 times in rapid succession. When asked if he was alright, Jeremy didn't respond. Jeralyn noticed her husband’s nose was running heavily, and when she handed him paper towels, his face was drooping on one side. She recognized that Jeremy was having a stroke and called 911 immediately.

Jeremy was transported by air from Lawton to OU Health University of Oklahoma Medical Center to receive the emergency stroke care he urgently needed.

Fighting for Survival and a Surprising Discovery

The emergency room medical team warned Jeralyn that Jeremy was unlikely to survive the night. He had experienced a large left hemispheric stroke, and an attempt to remove the clot surgically could result in bleeding — it wasn’t worth the risk. Jeremy was treated with alteplase (t-PA), a clot-busting medication that restores blood flow to the brain. Jeralyn and her daughter had no choice but to wait. In a stroke of luck, Jeremy made it through the night.

A hemispheric stroke occurs when blood flow to one hemisphere (side) of the brain is interrupted, either by a blood clot (ischemic stroke) or a burst blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke). The effects of a stroke can vary depending on which hemisphere is affected.

A stroke in the left side affects:

• Communication: Difficulty in forming sentences and understanding language.
• Movement: Weakness or paralysis on the right side of the body.
• Cognitive functions: Challenges with problem-solving, strategizing, and analyzing.

Jeremy was placed in the intensive care unit (ICU) under the care of OU Health neurologist Dr. Jorge Ortiz-Garcia, M.D., assistant professor in the Department of Neurology, and Chief of the Section of Critical Care Neurology at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine.

Although Jeremy had survived the night, he wasn’t out of the woods. He couldn’t use the right side of his body and had aphasia, which meant he could no longer read, write, or speak. Next, he became lethargic. A CT scan revealed that his brain had swollen and shifted. To relieve the pressure on his brain, Jeremy needed an emergency surgery to remove part of his skull, called a decompressive hemicraniectomy.

After the surgery, Jeremy had a pulmonary embolism — a serious condition where a blood clot blocks an artery in the lungs. This blockage can prevent blood from reaching parts of the lung. It causes symptoms like sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, rapid heartbeat, and, most importantly, hypoxia or low oxygen levels in the blood. The pulmonary embolism led Dr. Ortiz-Garcia to discover the source of Jeremy’s stroke. He had a genetic clotting disorder called Factor II mutation, also known as prothrombin gene mutation.

Understanding the Genetic Disorder

Factor II mutation, or Prothrombin G20210A mutation, is a genetic condition that increases the risk of developing blood clots. This mutation leads to higher levels of prothrombin, a protein necessary for blood clotting. As a result, individuals with this mutation are more likely to experience deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.

To manage Factor II mutation, doctors use blood thinners to prevent clots. It’s also important to stay active, maintain a healthy weight, and avoid smoking. Recognizing the signs of blood clots, such as swelling or pain in the legs, and seeking medical help quickly can prevent complications.

Jeremy’s blood was thickened by too much prothrombin, raising his stroke risk by 30%. He was placed on heparin, a blood thinner, and later, on apixaban, which he will take for life. Further testing uncovered that Jeremy had atrial fibrillation (an irregular heartbeat), along with a heart defect called a patent foramen ovale (PFO). A PFO is a small opening in the heart responsible for the paradoxical embolism. This means that a clot from Jeremy’s legs moved up and through the heart defect, causing a stroke.

“At OU Health, we don't stop at treating the stroke — we work hard to uncover why it happened,” said Dr. Ortiz-Garcia. “Identifying the root cause is essential to preventing another event. In Jeremy’s case, we discovered a genetic clotting disorder and hidden heart issues that could have gone undetected. Discovering those answers helps us create a long-term care plan that protects his future and the family’s future.”

Jeremy’s genetic disorder was not previously diagnosed because it requires specific genetic testing. His siblings had the genetic test, and one sister was diagnosed with the same condition. After 22 days, Jeremy was discharged from the University of Oklahoma Medical Center to continue his recovery process with physical, occupational, and speech therapies.

Finding a New Way of Living

Recovery was slow, but after months in a wheelchair, Jeremy can now walk, and speech therapy is helping him form and read simple words. His right arm remains immobile, and he's considering amputation due to muscle loss. However, rather than accepting his limitations, Jeremy has found a new passion for sport.

With Jeralyn as his full-time caregiver, the 51-year-old retired veteran trains daily at the gym and participates in the disabled games, where he excels in shot put, discus, air rifle, indoor rowing, and swimming. Currently, Jeremy holds four national records within his age and disability classification. He and Jeralyn love traveling and enjoy spending time with their new grandbaby.

“Jeremy’s resilience and determination continue to inspire us every day,” said Jeralyn. “I cannot praise Dr. Ortiz-Garcia enough. Bobby, one of his main ICU nurses, was also fabulous. I am deeply grateful to OU Health and all the doctors and nurses who cared for my husband.”

Expert Stroke Care at OU Health

It’s important to know and recognize the signs of a stroke and seek help. The BE FAST acronym will help you identify the main symptoms of a stroke:

• B: Balance — Sudden loss of Balance
• E: Eyes — Sudden loss or changes Eye vision
• F: Facial drooping — One side of the face may droop or feel numb
• A: Arm or leg weakness — Difficulty raising one arm or leg that drifts downward
• S: Speech difficulties — Slurred speech or trouble speaking
• T: Time to get help immediately – call 911 and note the time when the person last seemed normal

If you or a loved one experiences these signs, immediately seek medical treatment by calling 911. Time is critical, and every second counts. Recognizing these signs quickly saves lives.

“When it comes to stroke, every second counts,” emphasized Dr. Ortiz-Garcia. “Getting emergency care right away can mean the difference between life and death, or between full recovery and lifelong disability. Jeremy’s story shows just how critical it is to call 911 at the first sign of a stroke.”

At OU Health's Comprehensive Stroke Center, patients receive exceptional care that establishes a high standard in stroke treatment and recovery. The center's advanced treatments and multidisciplinary approach guarantee timely evaluation, effective management, and optimal rehabilitation. Recognized for excellence, OU Health is committed to helping patients achieve the best possible outcomes and live healthier lives.

Learn more about our Comprehensive Stroke Care Center, request an appointment or get a second opinion. You can also learn more about speech-language pathology services at OU Health, which are offered as part of our Comprehensive Stroke Care Center services.