My wife is my hero - By Rhyan
As a thirty-nine-year-old father of two, a stroke is not something you think will happen to you. But in January 2021 – it did.
I was working outside on our property when I got a bloody terrible headache. I never get them, and this was a doozy.
The pain went from my head down my neck, so I figured it must have twinged a nerve, so my wife rubbed in some Voltaren and I went to bed.
I had been lying down for about ten minutes when the Thunderclap headache hit me. I thought that I was going to die – I have never been in so much pain. I got up to get help, just as my wife walked in with my two daughters to check on me.
Asking for help, I didn't realise that I was mumbling nonsense and my face was drooping.
As a thirty-nine-year-old father of two, a stroke is not something you think will happen to you. But in January 2021 – it did.
I was working outside on our property when I got a bloody terrible headache. I never get them, and this was a doozy.
The pain went from my head down my neck, so I figured it must have twinged a nerve, so my wife rubbed in some Voltaren and I went to bed.
I had been lying down for about ten minutes when the Thunderclap headache hit me. I thought that I was going to die – I have never been in so much pain. I got up to get help, just as my wife walked in with my two daughters to check on me.
Asking for help, I didn't realise that I was mumbling nonsense and my face was drooping.
My wife, Tracey, sat me down and asked me to lift both arms, which I couldn't. She called triple 000 immediately because she knew the signs of a stroke; it was a call that pretty much saved my life.
Tracey, and my oldest daughter lowered me to the floor and put me in the recovery position to wait for the ambulance.
As a dad your job is to protect your kids, and here was my daughter helping to save my life. Both girls have been deeply impacted by seeing me on the floor paralysed which devastates me. I am proud of how they've handled my stroke, but beyond anything, I wish that I could take their pain away.
Because of Tracey's quick actions, I got to hospital within an hour, and got the treatment that I needed. I still have no sensation down my left-hand side - I can't feel hot or cold, and I can't feel pain. But I know how lucky I am.
To Trace, I have loved you as my partner in life, my wife, and the mother of my beautiful daughters. But I can't really find the words to tell you how deeply thankful that we're a team - you are my hero.
