Former speed skater Erben Wennemars recently suffered a stroke, with timely medical intervention playing a key role in his recovery, according to his wife.
According to a column by his wife Renate in De Stentor, the 50-year-old Wennemars began experiencing unusual symptoms during a phone call, including increasingly confused speech. She explained that after ending the call, he went outside to ensure he would be discovered if his condition worsened. Demonstrating presence of mind, he calmly cycled along the road to a nearby general practitioner.
Upon arrival at the doctor’s office, Wennemars was immediately referred to the emergency department of a hospital in Zwolle, where scans were performed and blood thinners administered. After 24 hours of observation and various tests, he was discharged without restrictions or lifestyle changes. The medical team concluded that the stroke was not caused by overexertion or intense physical activity.
Renate Wennemars noted that although the precise cause of the stroke remains unclear, time was a crucial factor in successful treatment. She added that Erben now warmly embraces those around him, expressing gratitude for his survival. “I am still alive,” he says.
