EnableMe | enableme - stroke recovery and support

This week marked a milestone that totally sneaked up on me, l don't think I was quite prepared for it - 1 year - 1 whole year since I had my stroke and I honestly don't know where it has gone!

It has been a blur to say the least, an emotion roller-coaster and I feel a little robbed of that time if truth be told. I did not realise what a journey I was facing and I the expectations I had for both emotional and physical progress would have me in different place by now. I feel I am only just starting to come to terms with a lot things - the biggest being how much pressure those expectations can be!

I've met a handful of healthcare professionals that have been invaluable and even more who have caused more grief than good. I have seen both the strength and the strain that can be put on family members and loved ones. I have been forced to slow down (which isn't a bad thing), learn to recognise the important things, accept limitations and take each day as it comes knowing how unpredictable they can be. Even on my bad days though I am thankful for every new one and the opportunity to try all over again.

Unfortunately with a length history of daily headaches & migraine I was misdiagnosed, denied an ambulance/transfer and told to visit my GP after the weekend if my 'headache' hadn't gone away. It took my GP a further few months to realise what had happened even though I mentioned it from the start and had no control over half of my body - it was still months before I even knew there was help (like physiotherapy, speech and occupation therapy) out there. It has been an interesting and testing journey to say the least!

Only after going through this life changing event did I realise how little I knew about stroke and being (then) 30 - I never imagined I would have to catch up on it so fast! It scares me how little the general public knows about stroke and awareness something I am now passionate about. I hope in time I can use my own experiences to bring education to the subject and help others in similar situations.

I have a great respect for anybody who can call themselves a survivor and admiration for the family, friends, support networks and professionals that extends it to!

I too have had difficulty as a young stroke survivor. I had my stroke at 36. Healthy mum to two beautiful children. The neurologist at the leading stroke hospital in my state believed it was a migraine. That is, until the MRI revealed otherwise. I have met many doctors that have little time for complex cases when things just don't add up straight away. I have had to be very brave and insist on asking lots of questions.

Do you know the cause of your stroke?

Thank you for replying, Im sorry to hear you have had a difficult journey also - I don't think there is any amount of pre-stroke knowledge that could have prepared me for the reality and how extremely frustrating it can be, especially when you are one of those complex cases!

I am still trying to get some answers on what caused mine, I am still without a good Neuro to ease my mind on a few things. I have a +4yr history of chronic daily headaches and migraine which is it's own battle for answers still hopeful. I am very used to head pain but that night was different to what I experience daily, my bad days don't even come close (but I felt it 4-5 times in the months leading up the event - similar many times since but thankfully only for a few minutes at a time). Too many previous nerve issues that I have a sneaking suspisions are all related but for now I am just trying to get through each day the best I can and stay hopeful for answers.

How long has it been since your stroke and did you have any history of head pain before it happened. I am not very familiar with pfo closures I'm sorry but have you found a suitable solution? Keep up that bravery, those 2 beautiful children would have to be a big motivator I am sure!

Hey, a great conversation and good to hear you are wanting to spread the awareness Carlie. Survivors gain a great deal from others shared experiences. Sue

good day Carlie, my wife had a stroke but with no history of migraine or acute headache, she actually complained of headache 3 days prior to the attack. she is still undergoing rehab but i have drawn some inspiration from your story.