It is about freedom for me

By David Crombie

I had a stroke in 2021, I was in hospital and rehab for five months.

It was a long time to be in a hospital, but by the time I was discharged, I had already met my first goal which was to walk out of rehab unassisted.

It took a hell of a lot of effort on both my body and my mind to get to this stage.

After the stroke I couldn't move my left side or sit in a chair. My balance, walking, ability to move my lefthand was impacted. I had anxiety and fatigue, and I had to work through the grief of losing who I thought that I was.

It was natural for me to start setting goals immediately, and I had a good mindset off the bat, which helped me immensely.

There were two parts to my life which ran parallel.

One was getting my physical rehab organised. I combined both therapy sessions; physio, exercise physio, OTs, and self-directed rehab where I set my own exercises. I set short term and stretch goals to work towards.

I discovered that finding the right allied health professional was important for my rehab. I had an incredible physio, who understood me and realised that I needed to set aspirational goals and that I required the freedom to go hell-for-leather towards them. For a time, we couldn’t work together, and I started to plateau – it was fantastic when I was able to work with her again – and I started to see results almost immediately

Celebrating the small steps towards my bigger goals was also vital. It keeps me motivated, and you can’t eat an elephant in one bite.

The other part of recovery is the mental and emotional side. I love being outdoors. Before my stroke I had a motorcycle and a bike, and I loved getting out of Sydney and going up to my farm and doing farm stuff – I bloody loved it.

But for several months post stroke I had to give my license up and was unable to drive or ride my bikes. I sold my motorbike and couldn’t go to the farm without someone with me. There is nothing more frustrating than being stuck and dependent on other people.

But after more than 300 therapy sessions and walking every day – starting walking to a local cafe, to now regularly getting over 6,000 steps a day, I got my license back.

Being independent has added another dimension to my life. If I want a coffee, I can go to a cafe, I can take myself to Bunnings or see a mate.

But most importantly, my role in our family has been restored. I can drive my daughter where she needs to go – taking a bit of pressure off my partner. I am so grateful to be able to help in this way.

Recently I drove myself to my farm and did farm work for a few days – by myself. It is my happy place, and I reflected on something that I used to say. I used to refer to myself as pre-stroke David and post-stroke David.

Now I am just David.

I have recently bought a recumbent bike, and I have entered the MSGong. Riding 54 kilometres from Engadine to Woolongong. I am raising money for Stroke Foundation because it makes me feel great to be able to help people. It’s another part of my journey.

This photo is from my first ride on my new recumbent bike.