Anyone can have a stroke at any time

By Jessica

I had my stroke at a sound healing meditation circle, on the 19th of March 2023.

At first, I noticed my right leg went all numb and tingly and I kept trying to grab my right leg to see if I could feel anything. Then I opened my eyes from the meditation I noticed my right eye was extremely blurry and I lost vision in my left eye. At first, I thought maybe my eyes were just taking some time to adjust and thought maybe my leg was numb from lying on the ground. I soon realised that something wasn’t right.

I remember telling my sound healer about my symptoms and another lady mentioned maybe it’s a migraine coming on. But I’ve had migraines in the past, so I knew this was different.

I called my dad crying and having a panic attack, and he mentioned maybe I’m having a stroke. I tried to shrug it off, surely not, if I was having a stroke wouldn’t something more significant happen.

The following morning, I took myself to hospital as I felt very confused and thought maybe it was best to get checked.

Once at my local hospital everything happened very quickly, and I was transferred to a bigger hospital which confirmed I had had a mini stroke. Tests found that I had holes in my heart and a blood clotting disorder - I stayed in hospital for 5 days.

When I was told by the doctors that I had suffered a mini stroke, I wasn’t shocked, I had had some time to think about what was happening, and I just knew it in my bones. But you just don’t think that young, healthy people will have a stroke.

When I got home, that is when the shock crept in, not being able to trust your body is something that I had never dealt with, and anxiety began to build.

Initially after the stroke I was confused, had fatigue and aphasia, but most of those symptoms have improved. But emotionally and mentally, the stroke continues to impact me in a big way.

It’s the anxiety around it all and knowing it could happen again. Although I’m very aware how lucky I am, it was a mini stroke and could have been worse - but it doesn’t stop the worries that comes with it. Mini sounds small, but the impact on my life doesn’t feel small, it is terrifying.

I understand that I will come to terms with my stroke and my blood clotting disorder. I am already getting a better handle on it emotionally. Even a month after my stroke I am feeling better, and I have the most amazing support from my family, friends and community.

I want everyone to know that you are never too young to suffer a stroke!

I was 29 years old when I suffered a mini stroke. I was almost turned away by a doctor who didn’t believe it could be a stroke because I was so young. I was lucky that I had other medical professionals who stood up for me, and I am glad I also stood up for myself!

I have learned stroke symptoms can be subtle, and different depending on where your brain is impacted. If you feel like something isn’t right, make sure you call triple 000.