EnableMe | enableme - stroke recovery and support

Hello there, I’m Stephen.

Here’s a quick tidbit about me so you can get a sense of who I am. Born and bred in Sydney. I grew up with supportive family and friends. I work in Agriculture as a Product Designer and I love exploring design and technology. I like to run on weekends, and gym every few days. I go on trips as much as watching stuff on Netflix or reading a book.

October 2022, mum suddenly collapsed on the bathroom floor (straight out of a tv show). Mum knew something was wrong, waking up with a pounding headache she asked her sister (my aunty) to drive her to the hospital. I was asleep at the time only to be woken up by a fumble in the bathroom and a yell from my aunty.

I was her first responder, delivering First Aid, CPR and calling the ambulance to link her to care as soon as possible. This was happening whilst I was going into shock and being hysterical and I only completed my First Aid training just 1 week ago.

She suffered a significant brain injury — a brain aneurysm. The ongoing recovery period is a harrowing and extremely difficult experience that has changed mum forever and the relationships around our family, forging closer ties with our support network whilst being introduced to uncommonly kind people.

Dad, myself and our extended family are resolved and determined to do whatever we can to help mum pull through to the other side where she can be able to live a quality life of dignity and relative autonomy filled with rich experiences.

I'm hoping to support my fellow humans who are either themselves or know people who are going through a similar experience and hope that you can support mum on her recovery.

Additional: 5 months later, mum is slowly regaining her ability to talk, open her eyes, and to move a bit more. Left-side weakness which is to be expected.

Hi Stephen, we are sorry to hear about your mum's stroke.

The StrokeLine team are a great resource for information and to connect you with services and support. Call the team on Strokeline 1800 787 653 - Diana

Hello Stephan

Thank you for sharing your story, I am sorry to hear what you, your mother and your family are going through.

It is wonderful that you are open to sharing your mother’s story and happy to talk about what you have been through. As you mentioned, going through this type of trauma can bring you closer, and can show you that there are others out there willing to help and support you all. The EnableMe community is amazing, and I am sure others will comment and reach out on your blog. There are many others here that have experienced similar difficult times.

It is positive to hear you and your mother are noticing some changes and that her ongoing recovery is progressing. Stroke recovery can be lifelong, so it is important to keep up the hope and acknowledge and be thankful for all the little gains along the way.

If you or your family ever want to talk Stephen, as Diana mentioned above, you are more than welcome to reach out to StrokeLine to talk with one of allied health professionals. You can reach out to us on the phone on Ph 1800 787 653, or via email on strokeline@strokefoundation.org.au. We are happy to talk or to listen if you want to reach out to someone who understands what you and your family are going through.

Warm regards

Siobhan (StrokeLine)