Getting back on the bike

By David

I had a stroke in 2021 due to high blood pressure.

I had been on medication for high BP but a decision to take me off my meds proved to be nearly fatal.

I was the CEO of a national real-estate group and was working from home, when I had a hemorrhagic stroke.

My partner Sonia was the first person on the scene. I had sat down, and I couldn’t get up, Sonia noticed the classic signs of stroke and called triple 000 immediately.

I was in hospital in 30-minutes, but even in that short window of time, the stroke had killed a 7-centimeter area of my brain, and my family was told by doctors that my chances of survival were low.

But I have a strong, determined mindset, and I was very fit before the stroke. I believe that these things have helped me to survive and to get to where I am today.

I was very scared and lonely after my stroke. Covid-19 lockdown meant that I had limited time with my family. I didn’t see my daughter Georgie for 6-weeks.

But when I was in rehab, she would buy me a coffee and have it delivered to my room. The cup would have her name on it and would be there waiting for me when I finished my morning physiotherapy session. I can’t tell you how much that simple gesture sustained me, and the memory of her name on the cup still does.

I worked bloody hard at Sydney’s metro rehab hospital to make my body move again. Whatever rehab exercises and sessions that I had to do, I did, despite my fatigue. Knowing that when I learned to walk again, I could go home – it took three weeks before I took my first steps.

I worked and worked, for both me and my family. I reached my goal of walking out of the rehab hospital without any assistance.

Upon discharge I continued my recovery at Advanced Rehab Centre (ARC), and I still do. I work with a team of people including a physiotherapist, occupational therapist, exercise physiologist and an allied health assistant.

Our focus since April 2022 has been on my arm and hand. I now have shoulder, elbow and some finger movement. Unfortunately, I have not gained movement back in my hand, but I am able to get my fingers to grasp.

I concentrate on my walking by doing a minimum number of steps each day. When I left rehab, I could do 1000 steps, now my record is approx. 13,000 steps using a Canadian crutch when I am out and about.

The stroke left me with physical limitations, cognitive and physical fatigue. But I can see that I am still improving. I constantly push the boundaries; and regularly set and reassess my goals, I exercise every day.

Eventually I want to get back on my motorbike, it's my ultimate goal.

On my first stroke anniversary I walked to my local café and celebrated with my family. It was very emotional and reminded me why I am not letting my foot off the pedal. I still have a long way to go to get back to PSD: Pre-Stroke David, but I will continue to push the boundaries to get there.

Recently I became a StrokeSafe Ambassador for Stroke Foundation. I am acutely aware that I have been given a second chance in life, and I want to make every effort to help others whilst helping myself.

I am getting emotional, but I want to dedicate this blog to my beautiful partner Sonia, you saved my life. And to my daughter Georgie, who is a great support to both her parents.

Thank you to my allied team for your care, support and encouragement. You have helped me to have the recovery and standard of life I now enjoy.

To my girls, my mindset is strong, I am determined to continue to be the husband and father you both deserve.