It started with a thudding headache

By Libby

I am a proud Trawlwoolway Pyemmairenner woman.

In November 2021 I had several TIAs (mini strokes), but they weren't diagnosed until January 2022, when I finally had an MRI.

I knew there was a problem, but it was difficult during COVID-19 to get support and treatment. I was fit, healthy, and there is no history of stroke in my family.

It started as a thudding headache.

I was in pain, I could constantly feel my heartbeat, I had pins and needles and numbness in my limbs. Over a few days it got worse, and I thought the headache must be my first migraine. I couldn't do much but spend most of the time in bed laying down.

The pain was excruciating, so in the end I decided that I needed to go to hospital. I would have called an ambulance, but at the time the wait time was too long, so I drove myself. There was just no other way to get help.

At the regional hospital's ED, I was triaged and asked to wait. I was in acute pain and was finally seen because of the level of distress that I was obviously in. After an ECG and some blood work, I was discharged and told to go to see my GP if I was still in pain.

What!! The pain was in my head, and they only did tests on my heart. No CT or MRI was done.

I went back to the GP and got a neuro referral. I live in regional Victoria, so a round trip to see a neurologist was 300-kilometres.

Some tests were done by a neurologist, and I got a referral to get an MRI – which was a further 200-kilometre round trip.

The MRI showed that I had had several TIAs.

I was devastated and disgusted.

Not only had I had several strokes, but my symptoms were discounted, my words fell on deaf ears, and I was left to my own devices.

The strokes have impacted me physically, mentally and emotionally. I have issues with memory and strength to this day. I received regular movement therapy to help with the ongoing pain.

It's affected my relationships; I feel isolated and alone. My impacts are hidden, and I don't feel that people around me understand. How can they – my disabilities can't be seen, but every day I battle to get through simple activities.

I worry that I will have another stroke and that I will be impacted more. I am scared for my family and for my children.

Being let down by the health system has undermined my faith in my treatment and care.

I discovered Stroke Foundation on Facebook by accident. I am grateful for the community and StrokeLine (1800 787 653), I finally feel less alone.