A Stroke Survivor Urges Black Women to ‘Take Charge of Your Body’

Sudden exhaustion can stem from various factors such as insufficient sleep, medications, anemia, or heart and pulmonary issues. ShantaQuilette Carter-Williams initially dismissed her unusual fatigue, attributing it to flu-like symptoms. Alongside nausea and light chest pain, she informed her husband she would rest at home instead of seeking medical attention. Her husband, despite heading to work, insisted her daughter take her to the emergency room, which she reluctantly did. Upon arrival, she displayed alarming symptoms, resulting in an immediate heart attack diagnosis after an EKG.Post-hospitalization, Carter-Williams continued facing heart issues, despite her active lifestyle. Frustrated with dismissive healthcare responses, she eventually suffered a stroke at work. Initially misdiagnosed, she later faced prolonged rehabilitation. Discovering her family’s cardiovascular history revealed possible preventative steps she had missed. Advocating for personal health accountability, she emphasizes the importance of understanding one’s health and proactive discussions with medical professionals. Her experience inspires others to prioritize their health and wellbeing.