Author Survives Stroke, Finds New Lease on Life
A sudden stroke 16 years ago changed author Cauvery Madhavan‘s life forever. Now, she embraces every opportunity after what she calls her “lucky stroke.”
Unexpected Onset
At 47, Madhavan experienced a stroke without any prior warning signs while at her home in Glengarriff, Co Cork. She was working on her third book, alone for 15 days before her husband, Prakash, arrived.
On that particular morning, Prakash, a vascular surgeon, unusually awoke early and found her slumped in the bathroom. Madhavan recalls being unable to speak and feeling paralyzed on her right side.
Husband’s Crucial Role
Prakash recognized the signs immediately. He quickly contacted the ambulance service and his colleagues at Cork University Hospital (CUH). While he packed, neighbors assisted in moving Madhavan to await the ambulance.
During the ambulance ride, she began regaining her speech, only to suffer another stroke before reaching Crookstown. According to the CDC, someone in the United States has a stroke every 40 seconds (CDC, 2024).
Recovery and Transformation
Upon arrival at CUH, she was greeted by Prakash‘s concerned colleagues. Remarkably, by the end of the day, Madhavan experienced a sudden and complete recovery.
Doctors determined a tear in her carotid artery had caused the strokes. They prescribed aspirin and addressed her undiagnosed high blood pressure. Madhavan then made drastic lifestyle changes.
She became vigilant about her salt intake and started exercising regularly. Overcoming her fear of another stroke was a significant challenge. Tingling sensations in her arms and fingertips plagued her for a year.
Madhavan credits her husband’s practicality for helping her overcome her anxiety: “If you have another stroke, you’re not going to be able to use the phone.”
Seizing the Day
Madhavan now approaches life with renewed vigor.
Since her recovery, Madhavan has walked the Camino, visited Everest Base Camp, and even won an all-Ireland medal in golf. She now embraces every opportunity.
Cauvery Madhavan‘s latest book is The Inheritance.
