Rachael’s life changed forever at just 34.
While staying at the children’s hospital with her son, Rachael thought that the excruciating headaches she’d been enduring were stress related. But one morning, Rachael lost all sensation down her right side.
A nurse came into the room and Rachael explained what was happening. The nurse told Rachael she suspected that Rachael was having a stroke and organised for her to be rushed to a nearby hospital.
Doctors initially diagnosed a migraine but a CT scan revealed a tear in one of the blood vessels supplying blood to Rachael's brain. Doctors told Rachael they suspected a TIA, and Rachael was sent home - despite her struggling to walk or find the right words to form a sentence.
Days later, Rachael was rushed back to hospital with worsening symptoms. This time, a stroke was diagnosed.
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Rachael was discharged just a few days later and told her symptoms would improve over time. There was no follow-up plan, no ongoing care, Rachael had to manage her recovery alone.
“I believe my symptoms and struggles were overlooked because of my age,” Rachael shares. “It’s so important that everyone understands that stroke can affect anyone, at any age.”
Rachael is right. Stroke doesn’t discriminate.