I had no idea it was something as serious as a stroke

By Rachael

I was a busy mum, constantly on the go, juggling life with three kids, two of whom have special needs. I was used to stress, hospital visits, and never really putting myself first. So, when I suddenly lost feeling down the right side of my body one morning during one of my son’s hospital stays, I had no idea it was something as serious as a stroke. 

At first, doctors believed I’d had a TIA. A CT scan showed a tear in one of the blood vessels supplying blood to my brain, but I was sent home the next day, even though I could hardly walk and was struggling to find the right words. 

When things got worse, I was rushed back to hospital. An MRI confirmed it had been a stroke. I spent a few more days in hospital and was sent home again, this time with no referral to rehab, no plan, and no idea what came next. 

I didn’t know it then, but this was just the beginning of the hardest chapter of my life. 

Trying to care for my children, especially with my mobility and communication affected, was terrifying. I kept asking myself: 

 “Will I be able to walk properly again? Drive? Be the mum I used to be?” 

 I was so scared of having another stroke. And I felt incredibly alone. 

I didn’t know anyone my age who’d had a stroke. I’d never even heard of another young mum going through something like this. Dealing with stroke and motherhood at the same time was isolating, confusing, and overwhelming. 

Eventually, I started rehab, months after my stroke, and it was a turning point. Physiotherapy and occupational therapy helped me get off crutches after five months, and I slowly started regaining function in my right side. I joined a neuro-fatigue management group, which helped enormously. But I kept wondering: Why did it take so long to find these supports? 

Looking back, if I had known about the Stroke Foundation and their incredible resources, things would have been so different. Just having someone to call, or a place to find reliable information early on, would have changed everything. 

That’s why I’m sharing my story. 

If you’re navigating life after stroke, whether it’s you or someone you love, please don’t wait to reach out for help. The Stroke Foundation is here, and their support services are life changing. You can call StrokeLine on 1800 787 653 to speak with health professionals who truly understand stroke and recovery. 

No one should be left to figure this out on their own. 

I know I’m not the only one who’s left hospital without a rehab plan. I want everyone to receive the care and support they need right when they need it. 

You can help me make that possible by donating to the Stroke Foundation’s current appeal.

Stroke is a huge thing to go through, physically, mentally, and emotionally. But recovery is possible. Support is available. And most importantly - you are not alone.