I dedicate my moving minutes to my partner
By Claire
I was in a hospital bed in November 2021 when I first heard about Stride4Stroke. I was determined to do it in 2022, even though at the time, walking even for 5 minutes felt like an impossible goal.
When I had my stroke, I was at home alone with my 2-year-old daughter, my other kids were out with their dad, so I could wrap the last of the Christmas and birthday presents.
I got out of bed to go to the loo and on the way back I felt tired and dizzy, so I curled up in bed with my daughter. I tried to turn on the TV and I couldn't work the remote. I tried to use my phone and found that I couldn't, so I lay down and tucked my daughter safely under my arm.
I must have passed out, as the next thing I knew, it was an hour later, and my daughter was playing with toys she had found in the bedroom. She held her nappy out to me and lay down so that I could change her.
Somehow, I managed to get up, I remember putting her nappy on the bed, suddenly I froze, I couldn't move, then I slumped to the floor. I said, "Mummy is coming", but I couldn't get up as my right side wouldn't work.
Dragging myself onto the bed with my left arm and leg, I managed to get the nappy changed and got under the covers hoping that someone would find us soon.
By this time, I could no longer speak, I knew that my father would call at 10am and if I didn't answer he would contact my partner. My phone rang, I didn't answer. Dad called twice more, then after a few minutes, my partner called. I picked up, all I could say was "I don’t know" and some other incoherent sentences.
Soon I could hear people knocking on our front door. I tried to get to them, but I collapsed, and I couldn't move at all. I could hear people trying windows, shouting and crying, then my partner arrived and called triple 000.
By the time the paramedics got to our house I was incoherent, paralysed and terrified, all I wanted were my kids.
At the hospital all sorts of tests were done, a stroke diagnosis was given, and I was wheeled in for endovascular clot retrieval.
A two-centimeter clot was removed. It all happened so fast and the next thing I knew, I was being wheeled to a room. My partner was there urging me to sleep, which I couldn't - still unable to speak, or walk, but grateful to be alive.
I was in hospital for a week, diagnosed with a PFO, and discharged with some future appointments, but with no plan and no information. It was literally like falling into a black hole.
Once home I focused on moving and speaking. Due to the treatment, I received, much of my brain was saved and although walking was difficult early on, I conquered a 2 kilometre, grade 3 hike within three months.
My speech and writing took longer, I used apps and word search games to improve. I now have trouble with word finding only when I am tired, stressed or in highly emotive situations. I take plenty of breaks when I am trying to write and take my time.
I also deal with sensory overload; I find background noise is difficult to cope with. I used to be able to multitask like a boss, but now I must focus on the conversation I am having. The kids have learned to wait their turn when I'm on the phone, and I try to take phone calls in a quiet room.
I am proud of how much I have achieved in a year, and really proud of how my kids have adjusted. Being a mum is a lot of work, being a mum after a stroke is that much harder.
Without the support of our friends and family, doctors, nurses, and the Stroke Foundation my life would look very different now.
I may still struggle to find the words sometimes, but I'm so grateful to everyone (my village) who has played a part in getting me and my family through my stroke. From those who were there on the day, to those who cooked meals for my family, drove us around, watched the kids, fed the dogs - to the doctors, nurses, paramedics who saved my life, thank you.
Finally, to my partner and my love, thank you for being there every step of the way. Your arms are always there to catch me, to wipe away my tears and hold me. I love you Dwayne.
