Tracy Man Grateful Kaiser Sacramento Staff Saved His Life
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — A Tracy man is making sure the staff at Kaiser Sacramento are recognized for the quick thinking and fast action that saved his life.
When you think of blood clots in the brain, you probably picture someone older. So when 24-year-old Joshua Chesboro was admitted to Kaiser after fainting, it was the last thing doctors suspected.
CBS13's cameras were there for the reunion that almost didn't happen.
The embrace of a grateful family isn't always something doctors get to experience, but it's a true gift that's as powerful as the miracle of medicine.
"It's strange that they were all so you know involved in my life for a period I don't remember," Chesboro said.
He had developed a sudden, debilitating headache at home.
"I immediately went to the bathroom, vomited and realized something is horribly wrong," he said.
He fainted and was rushed to the hospital, but he progressively got worse and suffered a stroke.
"I remember when I thought I might be dying," he said. "I didn't like immediately start weeping or anything. It was just that sort of acceptance that happened, that sort of settled over me I became very aware of everything around me."
Dr. Paul Akins discovered Joshua with blood clots on his brain.
"In Josh's case, he probably had a long term blockage on one side out of the jugular vein and the other one had become suddenly blocked," he said.
But the case was so severe, Akins says Chesboro cheated death by a matter of minutes.
"Incredibly serious. Life threatening. And even with those treatments was just very dangerously at the point of not making it," he said.
Using a delicate procedure that goes through a vein in the groin, Akins removed the clots and saved Joshua's life.
"It makes us very, very happy to see how well he's doing and sort of see a home run," he said.
Now fully recovered, the Cal State East Bay student wanted to return to Kaiser to show them that their care has made a lasting impact.
"I'm so thankful for the medical staff here at Kaiser for giving me chance to lead a fulfilling life and a full life. It's something I can't say my thanks enough but I'll try," he said.