The Worst Headache of My Life: Janel's Stroke Story

Janel Bieniek, a medical biller from Bowlus, described it as the worst headache of her life.

She had lived with migraines for years. It wasn't unusual for her to experience pain that lasted several days. But this time felt different.

An avid greeting card crafter, Janel had been looking forward to attending an October 2025 weekend event called Stamp Joy in Des Moines with her friend Sandy. But the pain became so intense, she had to cancel, something she later learned she had done in a text message she doesn't remember sending.

"On Monday it got better," she said. "But then Tuesday (Oct. 7) I left work and went home … I called my husband, Tim, and said, 'This is a doozy of a migraine.'"

They both knew it couldn't wait. Janel called 911.

When first responders arrived and asked where she wanted to go, she chose St. Gabriel's Hospital in Little Falls. "I thought maybe it was just a bad migraine and I needed some medicine," she said.

At the hospital, a CT scan revealed something far more serious: an aneurysm. With concern for a possible stroke, Janel was quickly transferred to CentraCare - St Cloud Hospital for an angiogram and specialized care.

She spent five days in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), sedated due to complications from throat swelling. Much of that time is a blur, with gaps filled in by her husband and care team.

"My husband is my rock," Janel said. "He said the communication was spot on. Anything he questioned, they answered. He always knew what was going on … the care was excellent."

When Janel woke up, she understood that she had a stroke but was confused about what was happening.

"I knew it had happened," she said. "I remember having visitors."

While her memories of the hospital are limited, she clearly remembers the compassion of her care team, especially CentraCare Hospitalist Trenton Smolik, MD.

One of the lasting stroke impacts was speech aphasia, a language disorder that affects the ability to communicate, including speaking and understanding words.

In therapy, Janel began the difficult work of relearning how to speak. One of the first steps was introducing herself.

Her name was written on a piece of paper. "Probably the hardest thing I've ever had to do was read aloud, 'My name is Janel,'" she said.

"But the first time I could actually tell people, 'I'm Janel,' I was so excited. Because I knew that."

Janel continued working with therapists, relearning everyday tasks like getting dressed, bathing, even making simple meals like toast.

Now, nearly eight months after her stroke, she says she's in a much better place. She continues occupational and speech therapy and celebrates milestones along the way, like remembering a full phone number or confidently saying her birthdate, often sharing those victories with friends and family on social media.

Janel is even beginning to explore new hobbies. "I did my first craft sale since my stroke a couple of weeks ago, and it was great, but it was extremely tiring," she said.

She's rediscovered her creativity through acrylic painting and hopes to host her own painting parties in the future.

For now, she's focused on enjoying life, spending time with friends, staying active, and savoring the occasional iced coffee.

"Because it's my jam," she said with a smile.

Her advice to others is simple: "If you have the worst headache of your life, you're going to know it. If you suspect a stroke, get help immediately."