My journey – written by Jan Corcoran

Having a stroke is like a point in time when your life stops and then starts again, and everything has changed. Every person’s experience is different and deeply personal, it effects not just you but your family and people around you.

On April 6th, 1998, I had just turned 50, I was at work, which at the time I was working in a pathology lab. With no warning that I can recall except noticing that my ears clicked, I collapsed onto the floor. My colleagues found me and picked me up from the floor but didn’t call an ambulance. This was the beginning of my journey.

When I came to, it wasn’t until several hours later, after sitting in a doctor’s surgery that I was admitted to hospital. Four days later I suffered another stroke which was more severe. During this time, I received no treatment only observation and tests. After 5 weeks of hospitalization, my doctor was a Gastroenterologist, about every two weeks a Neurologist visited Cairns from Brisbane, they were still not sure that I had two strokes and asked if they could do some biopsies on my brain. My GP made an appointment to see a Neurologist in Townsville.” Poke your tongue out” yes, I did have strokes.

I was discharged with no information concerning treatment strategies, rehabilitation or available support organisations. I was not contacted by the hospital to monitor my progress until I contacted them approximately 6 months later. This I feel was a major failure and set me back significantly. This was a time when I felt very isolated, overwhelmed and fearful.

The things I have learnt that made my life and rehab difficult and varied. I struggled with unbelievable fatigue, mobility issues, making sense of what was happening. I had to relearn basic skills to regain my independence. I was fully committed to fight and succeed.

Emotionally I felt unsupported, at the time my husband told me I had behaviour problems. I had good days and some very bad days. When someone you know or love has a stroke, being patience, and supportive is vital in that healing process. Some of my strategies that at times and continue to use today are as follows. This really affected me as I felt suicidal, sleeping and hearing my brain working! during the night. Tinnitus in my ears, crying, frustration and a burden to my family and felt like I was going backwards. I joined a group for stroke survival in America online for help. After this depression etc, I had a day where I decided to get rid of my old brain, grieved over it for about ten minutes and I am still the same person but have a better brain.

Rejection from anyone was horrible I had a magical hoop around my waist and rejection I could zap them. I did this as I had enough worries in my brain and not carry the problem.

I was fortunate to be able to Volunteer for 17 odd years could not work for 20 years, that has been my Rehab, but everything I do now is still my rehab or exercise.

I have put information onto a business size card which I have had printed some basic information that I can give to stranger to help me when I am out in the community to help with improving my communication difficulties.

I have and continue to keep my home environment free of clutter and trip hazards.

I keep Important items that I regularly use in a box it is the first place I look when trying to locate items. This has become a safe space which I have come to rely on.

Forcing myself to concentrate and engaging in activities that require me to concentrate is ongoing. In the beginning doing crafts was helpful, it is something I love to do so it wasn’t a hardship. I also volunteer regularly and now sit on several boards. Doing the volunteering helps keep me connected to people and socially engaged, again it is something I generally love doing. It doesn’t matter what you choose but I think keeping yourself active in your community has many benefits.

One of the hardest and painful things was cooking because silly me would take the pan off the gas want to clean it up straight away, pick up the hot grates that sit above the burners, it has taken me years do not touch until cool and walking into stuff.

My judgement was awful.

Lastly accessing and using the support and information from the stroke foundation is fantastic and became a big part of my personal support network. They have up to date and relevant information that should not be overlooked. I use the website enableme.org.au that can be accessed any time of the day throughout the year to help answer your questions, they have videos and other types of resources. They also can provide access to other stroke survivors and their careers.

It has been my passion to help others, this has been an important part of my personal journey which has had its ups and downs.

Together we can share and work together. I used to work to live now I live to give.