Illinois Bride Suffers Sudden Vision Loss After Wedding
An Illinois woman faced a severe medical emergency shortly after her wedding. Kasey Akers, 26, woke up partially blind just three days after marrying her husband, Cody Akers. This unexpected health crisis shocked the newlywed couple and their families.
A Sudden and Frightening Onset
The incident occurred on November 13. Kasey noticed her vision was significantly impaired. She could not see clearly out of her left eye. Cody immediately recognized the seriousness of her condition. They sought urgent medical attention.
Initial Hospital Visit and Diagnosis
Initially, doctors believed Kasey might have suffered a migraine. She was sent home. However, her symptoms did not improve. The vision loss persisted. Her husband took her to a different hospital for further evaluation. There, medical staff performed more extensive tests. An MRI revealed the devastating news: Kasey had suffered a stroke.
Understanding the Underlying Cause
Further investigation uncovered the root cause of the stroke. Doctors found Kasey had a patent foramen ovale (PFO). This is a small hole in the heart. It failed to close properly after birth. A blood clot had traveled through this hole. It then went to her brain, causing the stroke. PFOs are relatively common. Most people do not experience symptoms. However, for Kasey, it led to a serious health event.
The Impact on Vision and Recovery
The stroke primarily affected Kasey’s vision. She experienced a condition known as homonymous hemianopia. This means she lost half of her visual field. Specifically, she cannot see anything to her left. This includes both her left and right eyes. She is now undergoing therapy. Kasey is working with occupational and vision therapists. Their goal is to help her adapt to this new visual reality. She hopes to regain some function.
A Challenging New Chapter
Life has changed dramatically for Kasey and Cody. Kasey is a radiation therapist. She works with cancer patients. Her own medical journey now gives her a unique perspective. She faces daily challenges. Simple tasks like walking and driving require adaptation. The couple remains positive, despite the difficulties. They are committed to her recovery.
Community Support and Awareness
Kasey’s family created a GoFundMe page. It aims to help with mounting medical expenses. The page has received significant support. The couple also hopes to raise awareness about PFOs and stroke symptoms. They want others to recognize the signs. Early detection can be crucial. Kasey’s story highlights the importance of immediate medical care for sudden vision changes. Her fight for recovery continues.
