One Saturday in March 2011, I was working out at the gym. I was motivated because I was going to a wedding in Mexico. I also had tickets to see the Oprah Winfrey show in Chicago. I’d watched Oprah from the very beginning and was so pumped to see her live. I’d planned my hair and wardrobe. It was such a good time in my life!

I headed home and was about to hit the shower when it felt like someone shot a gun into the side of my head. I can only describe it as an explosion near my temple. I’ve been prone to headaches my entire life and I remember thinking, “Oh, no! I’m getting a migraine.”

After I showered, I felt sick to my stomach and my neck was stiff. I lay down to have a short rest and didn’t get out of bed until Tuesday.

My husband begged me to go to the hospital. Having had headaches my whole life, I felt sure I’d just be sent home.

Finally, I relented and a CT scan showed a blood clot in my brain. I was treated for a stroke and was in the hospital for three or four weeks.

If I had waited any longer, who knows what would have happened? I could’ve lost everything. Just being stubborn, I could’ve lost my life. I have a granddaughter and could’ve missed out all that time with her. At my age—44—we know our bodies and when something is wrong.

Now I pay attention and listen. I tell people if something isn’t right, don’t be afraid to ask your doctor or go to emergency. The consequences of not asking could be deadly.

You would never know to look at me that I have been through this. My husband and I were shocked. I never would’ve thought it was a possibility at my age.

My advice: don’t take good health for granted—even if you have tickets for Oprah. And listen to your husband when it comes to seeing a doctor! I didn’t meet Oprah, but I’m so thankful to be alive.

— as told to Holly Budd; Photo by Dale MacMillan