One patient’s journey from a double stroke to recovery at RIH

April 23, 2024

A smiling Vinaysinh (Vinny) Chauhan stands next to neurosurgeon Dr. Reena Baweja at his check-up. That Vinny is standing and walking at all is a testament to his medical team and his positive attitude.

Vinaysinh (Vinny) Chauhan was enjoying a game of cricket on a warm June night in 2023 in Merritt when he started feeling unwell.

“My neck was feeling sore, and I was dizzy,” he recalls. He sat down on the field. His teammates brought him some snacks and juice, but he continued to feel poorly. They brought him home to sleep, but his symptoms continued.

By the time his teammates took him to Nicola Valley Hospital, his blood pressure was very high and he was obviously very ill. The next thing he remembers is waking up in Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops.

Vinny had had two strokes: one in his brainstem, and one in his spinal cord. Not only was Vinny’s condition rare, but it was also surprising given his age—just 42 years old.

"A very complex condition"

Neurosurgeon Dr. Reena Baweja was on duty at RIH that evening. “Vinny’s condition is a complex one. He became acutely paralyzed in the legs due to a stroke in his spinal cord,” says Dr. Baweja. “The stroke in his spinal cord resulted from the narrowing of major blood vessels at the base of his brain. Decompression of the spinal cord does not usually help in the setting of a stroke in the spinal cord, but I felt that Vinny’s tests showed that he might benefit from surgery.”

Dr Baweja and her team decided to go ahead with surgery after a discussion with Dr. Prasad from the intensive care unit (ICU) and Vinny’s family.

Friends who had come to the hospital to support Vinny were told that even post-surgery he was still in critical condition and may never walk again. He also contracted pneumonia associated with the ventilator.

Praise for the medical and health-care staff

But Vinny pulled through and three weeks later began physiotherapy and occupational therapy at RIH. “Everyone—Dr. Baweja and Dr. Prasad, the nursing staff, support staff, doctors and physio and occupational therapists—were so supportive, so friendly,” he says. “The hospital was my second home. They treated me like a member of their families. My wife spent a month and a half with me in the hospital, and the staff took care of her as much as they did me.”

Vinny was discharged in October, five months after his strokes. It was an emotional moment. “I got a second chance. I almost died, almost lost everything,” says Vinny.

Today, close to one year after his strokes, Vinny continues to see a physiotherapist. He’s able to walk 10-20 steps without the support of his walker and can do most things on his own. He’s gone back to work managing his retail plaza in Merritt which gives him joy. Though physically his life has changed, mentally and emotionally Vinny feels strong.

“By God’s grace I never felt and don’t feel depressed. When I was lying alone in the hospital bed, I thought, why me? But with the support of my family and the medical staff, I came to accept my situation,” he reflects. “We just have to enjoy the moment we have, in the moment, and not dwell on the past or the future.”

A proud moment for Dr. Baweja and her team

It was also a proud moment for Dr. Baweja and the ICU team. “I wasn’t sure that Vinny would ever walk again and I am so thrilled by his recovery. Given how sick he was, his recovery has been truly remarkable,” shares Dr. Baweja. “Good outcomes in young people are especially rewarding. They have their whole lives to live and timely, effective care will ensure that they do get to live their best lives.”

She encouraged Vinny to share his story so others can feel inspired by his journey. “I’m very grateful for the warmth and support I got from all doctors, nursing staff, support staff and physiotherapists,” adds Vinny. “With their support and encouragement, I was able to recover more quickly than expected.”