I suffered a stroke on the beach
June 24, 2019
By Nyree
It was a simple summer family day at the beach. The sun was shining, my three kids were surfing with their dad and I was relaxing on the sand. It was one of those days you cherish with your loved ones, but it was about to take an unexpected turn.
Two of the kids came in from the surf and were playing in the sand nearby when my phone rang. I took the call, but started to feel really strange and disoriented, so I wrapped it up quickly and lay back down. I must have passed out because the next thing I remember is my husband Mike trying to wake me.
I didn’t know what was happening and tried to get up, but couldn’t support my own weight. It was like I was heavily intoxicated. My limbs were wobbly and I was slurring my words. Mike helped carry me to the car.
Mike asked our neighbour, who is a nurse, to come over to check on me. She told us to get to an emergency department quickly.
We live in a big city, so it didn’t take long to get to hospital. By the time we arrived, my face was drooping – which is a common sign of stroke. When I was assessed there was no mention of stroke and no brain scan. Instead, the doctor thought I was dehydrated because it was a hot day. I was observed for a while and then sent home where I slept for a very long time.
Three days later, I still wasn’t feeling well, couldn’t go to work and just stayed home, hoping to wake up the next day feeling better. There were some signs at home that things weren’t quite right, but it wasn’t until I forgot my PIN for my credit card that major alarm bells started ringing for me. I have never forgotten my PIN.
I was desperate for some answers. I went to my GP who recognised I needed to return to hospital. So off I went again, only this time I moved through the system quickly because they already had my details. I was given a brain scan which detected two strokes.
When you’re a busy working mum, stroke is the last thing on your mind. But here I was, a stroke survivor at the age of 40. That’s an incredibly tough thing to grapple with. It could have killed me.
While I was thankful I now had a diagnosis, I was angry and frustrated it had taken so long. I should never have been sent away from hospital on the first occasion.
As a result of my strokes, I now have issues with my cognitive function which includes speech and memory. My right side has been impacted. It’s an ongoing challenge.
Before my strokes I worked in a high level position at a university, but I have not been able to return to the job I love yet. I hope I can go back one day, but know I have to focus on my recovery for now.
Mike has been an amazing support. He took a month off work while I was in rehab so I didn’t have to worry about anything at home and could concentrate on my health. My kids have handled it well. They provide love and support on a daily basis. They recognise I am different, but I am still me. We are all grateful there will be many more family beach days to come.
It was a simple summer family day at the beach. The sun was shining, my three kids were surfing with their dad and I was relaxing on the sand. It was one of those days you cherish with your loved ones, but it was about to take an unexpected turn.
Two of the kids came in from the surf and were playing in the sand nearby when my phone rang. I took the call, but started to feel really strange and disoriented, so I wrapped it up quickly and lay back down. I must have passed out because the next thing I remember is my husband Mike trying to wake me.
I didn’t know what was happening and tried to get up, but couldn’t support my own weight. It was like I was heavily intoxicated. My limbs were wobbly and I was slurring my words. Mike helped carry me to the car.
Mike asked our neighbour, who is a nurse, to come over to check on me. She told us to get to an emergency department quickly.
We live in a big city, so it didn’t take long to get to hospital. By the time we arrived, my face was drooping – which is a common sign of stroke. When I was assessed there was no mention of stroke and no brain scan. Instead, the doctor thought I was dehydrated because it was a hot day. I was observed for a while and then sent home where I slept for a very long time.
Three days later, I still wasn’t feeling well, couldn’t go to work and just stayed home, hoping to wake up the next day feeling better. There were some signs at home that things weren’t quite right, but it wasn’t until I forgot my PIN for my credit card that major alarm bells started ringing for me. I have never forgotten my PIN.
I was desperate for some answers. I went to my GP who recognised I needed to return to hospital. So off I went again, only this time I moved through the system quickly because they already had my details. I was given a brain scan which detected two strokes.
When you’re a busy working mum, stroke is the last thing on your mind. But here I was, a stroke survivor at the age of 40. That’s an incredibly tough thing to grapple with. It could have killed me.
While I was thankful I now had a diagnosis, I was angry and frustrated it had taken so long. I should never have been sent away from hospital on the first occasion.
As a result of my strokes, I now have issues with my cognitive function which includes speech and memory. My right side has been impacted. It’s an ongoing challenge.
Before my strokes I worked in a high level position at a university, but I have not been able to return to the job I love yet. I hope I can go back one day, but know I have to focus on my recovery for now.
Mike has been an amazing support. He took a month off work while I was in rehab so I didn’t have to worry about anything at home and could concentrate on my health. My kids have handled it well. They provide love and support on a daily basis. They recognise I am different, but I am still me. We are all grateful there will be many more family beach days to come.