Julie Ferris-Tillman leads a busy life, balancing her role as vice president at a Milwaukee public relations company with her passion for performing arts, specifically sketch comedy, improv, and community theater. On a Wednesday evening, while preparing for a murder mystery play set to debut the following week, she stopped by a cafe to grab a sandwich and an energy drink to fuel her busy schedule. Eating half the sandwich on her way to the theater, she completed the meal during her drive home.
However, later that night, after getting what she thought would be a restful sleep, Ferris-Tillman woke feeling ill with symptoms that included vomiting and diarrhea. Concerned, she asked her husband, Andy Tillman, if he suspected food poisoning, as it was the only explanation she could entertain. Struggling to find sleep again, a headache developed, escalating from dull to an unbearable intensity. Eventually drifting off once more, she awoke still feeling unwell, leading her to skip work and rehearsal. Perceiving her stomach was still upset, she avoided eating for fear it would aggravate her condition.
Things took a turn for the worse on Friday when Ferris-Tillman began experiencing vision problems, particularly in her left eye, where she saw distorted images. Regrettably, she had to step down from her role in the upcoming play, hoping some extra rest would help her recover. By Saturday, her vision had deteriorated further, and she felt weak and fatigued due to her lack of nourishment. Andy took her to an urgent care center, where a physician prescribed anti-nausea medication and nasal spray to alleviate sinus pressure, suggesting that these factors might affect her vision and advising her to follow up if symptoms persisted.
On Sunday, she reported no improvement in her vision, which prompted the doctor to recommend she see an ophthalmologist the next day. On Monday, there was a slight improvement in her condition: her stomach felt better and her headache had lifted somewhat. Nevertheless, she decided to heed the eye doctor’s advice, and because vision changes can indicate issues with cerebrospinal fluid, he instructed her to head directly to the emergency room.
Upon entering the ER, the doctor immediately ordered a CT scan. As she was taken back to her examination area, surprised at the number of medical personnel present, she jokingly asked if she was throwing a party. The atmosphere shifted when medical staff informed her that her situation was indeed serious, and soon the screen revealed a concerning dark spot in her brain—approximately the size of a quarter. A doctor confirmed, “You have a brain bleed,” while a nurse remarked on her fortunate condition, indicating she shouldn’t have been capable of walking into the hospital.
Ferris-Tillman spent several nights in the ICU as doctors worked to lower her blood pressure and confirm the bleeding had subsided while conducting tests to determine the cause of her hemorrhagic stroke, which constitutes a small fraction of all strokes. They ultimately deduced that her high blood pressure and stress were to blame. She was prescribed medication to address both her high blood pressure and anxiety—an issue she had been managing for years.
A nurse also advised her on lifestyle changes, particularly regarding her diet, sternly stating no more of her favorite high-caffeine quad-shot lattes, though she could still enjoy coffee. As the doctors had warned, stroking headaches lingered for several months, but they eventually dwindled. Regular MRIs were performed on her, and by late December 2023, she received a clean bill of health nearly one year after her stroke.
While she grapples with residual anxiety regarding headaches, she finds comfort in medical assurance that she would be able to differentiate between typical headaches and symptomatic concerns. It was a wake-up call not only for her but also for her husband, who was subsequently diagnosed with high blood pressure. Together, they’ve embraced healthier lifestyles, focusing on mental and physical well-being.
Ferris-Tillman now monitors her diet closely, takes regular walks, and approaches work with a more balanced perspective, taking the necessary time to relax and disconnect when needed. Describing her newfound mindset, she commented, “Sometimes I just need to stay home in my pajamas instead of keeping my foot on the gas.” Her journey emphasizes the importance of self-care, highlighting how caring for her well-being has had a positive impact on her overall quality of life.
