I live every day to the fullest - By Rachael

I live every day to the fullest

Published: August 02, 2023

By Rachael

At the time of my stroke, I was going through a lot of stress and my blood pressure was high. I had had an accident at work which left me incapacitated, and was dealing with Workcover and their insurer.

I was confined to my bed as I couldn't walk without help. I was alone with my dog, Brucii, who was an 8-month-old pure bred Amstaff for company.

My stroke was a slow bleed, because upon diagnosis I was told I had been having a hemorrhagic stroke for about 2 weeks.

I must have been in and out of consciousness and very confused. I even called triple 000 but cancelled it because I didn’t want to leave my dog. I had a friend who was popping in to take care of Brucii but unfortunately they missed the signs of my stroke.

On the 22nd of February I was found by my support worker on the floor unconscious and an ambulance was called.

I was in a coma for nine days and regained consciousness suddenly with my arms and legs flailing. It was hard for me to understand what had happened.

Dogs have always been my family, but when I was finally discharged home, Brucii wouldn't come near me. He didn't like being in a kennel and I think that he was traumatised by the sirens on the day I was taken to hospital.

It took months to coax him back into the house. I spent a lot of time outside, and it was good to focus on something other than myself and stroke.

Thankfully Brucii is settled now and he is wonderful when I have a seizure. He puts a paw on my stomach and barks to alert my neighbour. But It has highlighted how vulnerable I am living alone. So I make sure I always have Brucii around and I let the my neighbour know how I am going. I am thankful that they are there.

Initially after my stroke I was terrified everyday that I would have another stroke. Going that long without treatment made me very aware that the symptoms can be subtle. It has scared me shitless.

I am now very aware of my health and my mental health. I exercise and watch what I eat. But by far the biggest improvement is being kind to myself.

I simply live every day to the fullest.

I urge people to embrace life and be grateful and happy for each sunrise.

I respectfully ask those close to me to receive me as it's not my intention to be rude or intolerant.