A Patient Story – Donald
Originally from the Sugarlands in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, Donald Trentham was excited to move back “home” to nearby Dandridge in 1992. Mr. Trentham grew up in the automobile business. At 11 years-old, he drove his brother’s Bonneville over 140 mph which led to many thrill seeking adventures throughout his life.
In 2015, he was out for a motorcycle ride, when he knew there was a problem. Mr. Trentham didn’t feel well. As he approached a stop sign, he blacked out and fell over on his motorcycle. Afterwards, he stopped riding his motorcycle for fear there might be an underlying problem. A few days later, he awoke at 2:30 a.m. to his arm hurting. He grabbed a ball squeezing back and forth to ease the pain. Moments later, he fell to the floor. Luckily, his wife heard him fall and immediately called 911. When the paramedics arrived, they immediately notified his wife that he needed to be transported to Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center because he was suffering from a stroke.
Mr. Trentham recalls being awake as Dr. Keith Woodward, Neuro-Interventional Radiologist, performed a life-saving procedure to remove the clot from his brain. He suffered from a corroded artery behind his right ear. Mr. Trentham explained how he was awake the entire time but was unable to move or talk until suddenly things returned to normal. “Dr. Woodward saved my life. He acts like a regular guy, but he is one of the top doctors in his expertise in the country,” Mr. Trentham shared. He continued, “I wanted to repay him for all he did for me. I offered him a ride in my hot mustang!”
Mr. Trentham was in the hospital for two days following his procedure for observation. “I am at 95% of what I was prior to the stroke and do experience occasional tingling,” he shared. He undergoes an annual ultrasound which gives him the perfect opportunity to share about his latest car adventures with Dr. Woodward.
His love for speed has not changed. Mr. Trentham regularly races a 520 Mustang Bullet online using his 4K 65” TV complete with pedals, steering wheel and racing seat. “It’s as close to real racing as I’ll ever be,” the 69 year-old gleefully shared.
