Joining the Community and Sport After Stroke
I am an administrator in the tertiary education sector. In early 2019 I had moved across the country with my family for a better work-life balance. We spent a couple of years discovering new areas, friends and activites. Then I had a stroke.
In Feb 2022 I was awoken by the worst headache of my life - a severe ice-pick behind my right eye and a 'tearing' feeling up my head. It was similar to some I’ve had in the past, which I now suspect may have been TIAs which explain my MRI scarring. So I popped a (very strong) pain killer, booked an online GP appointment and eventually return to dozing sleep. Later that morning I was growing increasingly nauseous, dizzy, headache-y., and started losing vision in one eye. My husband had stayed home to work that day to drive me to the GP (because of very strong painkiller), and during the obligatory 30min+ wait delay in the waiting room my symptoms surged massively. The new GP advised we go to ED immediately, and I had to enter there alone due to lockdowns. I couldn't remember my birthdate, could barely walk, and was almost completely blind by this point, but I somehow managed to be admitted.
A CT-Scan confirmed a stroke and that hospital transported me to the main city hospital. The whole drive I couldn't keep my eyes open due to my headache and fatigue. But my mind was racing - “What now? Am I going to get worse? Can I move everything? Can I remember my XYZ password?” After a 3hr wait in ED I was admitted and spent about ten days in the neuro ward before begging to go home due to sleep deprivation and already passing the required in-hospital rehab. No visitors due to lockdown, and little information was provided. The staff were great but the systems are in ongoing need of redevelopment. My records were lost and I was discharged without a plan and follow-up, so my new GP and I worked together to arrange this.
Part of my plan was to rejoin the community and practise ongoing therapy to overcome my deficits as much as possible. During my hospitalisation I found speech, mobility and sensory issues arose, which still linger today. Whilst I was and am grateful that I had not suffered as severly as many other survivors, I found that I no longer had purpose and was alone. Living in an isolated environment, losing friends and temporarily having no license seriously added to my loneliness and boredom. I looked online for social clubs or sports groups in my area, but did not find any suitable for someone with impairments such as mine. I reached out to councils and national bodies, but they too found a lack of services in my region. To avoid growing more upset I started to think differently - is there a group I can join but participate with limitations? Happily, I found something. Two somethings!
Parkrun is a free weekly Saturday morning walk/run and a venue is near my house. They welcome volunteers and walkers/runners from all walks of life. Initially I started volunteering in easier roles to save my energy and in case my deficits were strong that day. And gosh, it was scary to get the courage to do so - What If everyone looks at me, What If they can't understand me? What If they throw me out for "being drunk"? But I'm so glad I persisted because it was fine. I have since made most events, tried several roles, and chatted to regulars who sometimes go out for coffee as a small group post-event. Several months after starting, I was able to walk the 5km course (poor time-keeper!), and have since completed a few jog-walks (this achievement is well worth the consequence of spending much of that afternoon in bed!). I love being up with the sunrise, seeing the smiles on the participants' faces, and knowing that I have both helped to run a community event and achieved my exercise for the day.
Another group I found was my local athletics club. During their season they train twice-weekly for an hour in the early evening, and hold competitions (comps) most Saturday mornings. Sometimes my fatigue makes me too weary to join in some/all of their training. But the morning comps are ideal as I am often rested enough to participate in most of those events. There is no pressure to join in everything, and I can go at my own pace. It is all about beating your previous week's effort. This group also welcome everyone, and they have become like a wider family. I am currently the only Para-Masters Athlete in the NT. My practise has also paid off - I have won some places at the end of year athletics championships :)
If you are looking to become involved in community, if you are lonely, and/or seeking to challenge yourself, please look around your area and try some groups such as sports. It may be scary at first, as you may have your What Ifs about yourself and others as you adjust to your new norm and learn your limits. But there are many people around who will accept you just as you are and who can benefit from your help. You may also discover new abilities about yourself. And like me, you may find yourself looking forward to these events the most out of your week. Believe in yourself and try something new, you just might enjoy it!