Own your journey

It was a normal working day. It was 3rd December 2022. Suddenly I lost feeling and movement in my left arm. I didn’t know what happened , I thought I pulled a muscle. I left work, drove home, and went tobed. When I woke up in the morning I still was not able to move my arm. I told my son and he said “I’m taking you to hospital mum” and off we went.

It was all very quick and I don’t remember much of what happened after that. A lot of things, have been told to me by my family.

I had 2 aneurysms and a stroke and then had a craniotomy. then I spent numerous days in a coma. When I woke up , I was told that I had an Intracerebral Hemorrhagic stroke caused from FMD my arteries in my neck were to narrow, the brain was getting no oxygen

which had left me paralysed down my left side.

I had no idea what was ahead of me once I was discharged from hospital. I was scared, confused and frustrated. I started rehabilitation and continue to get stronger every day.

However, once I realised in order to continue to recover physically I also needed to focus on my mental and emotional health.

I was not warned about many things. The pain, which is difficult to deal with, the spasticity, the nerve pain or the fatigue.

The incredible support of family, friends and my rehab team, has lifted my spirits and fueled my determination.

Remember, while support is valuable, ultimately, the responsibility for your recovery lies with you.

Own your journey,