Living with pain - reclaiming my strength

By Heidi Victoria

In March 2020, I woke up feeling ...off.

Disconnected is probably the best word for it. I couldn’t quite put my finger on what was wrong, but I knew something wasn’t right. I rang a close friend, and as we spoke, he said something that changed the trajectory of my life.

“You can’t hear what I’m hearing.”

I was slurring my words. I didn’t realise it, but he did. He called an ambulance and not long after, I was told something I never expected to hear at 52 years old - I’d had a stroke.

It was a huge shock. I was young, healthy, and busy. I truly believed strokes were something that only happened to much older people. But I’ve since learned that stroke can happen to anyone, at any age. And I also learned just how important it is to have someone nearby who can spot the signs and act F.A.S.T.

I’m so lucky he did.

I have found recovery from stroke is not just about the initial rehab, it’s a long journey and sometimes it includes unexpected challenges. For me, one of those was pain.

I developed polymyalgia after my stroke and the pain and stiffness in my muscles was overwhelming at times. My shoulder and arm would ache, especially when I subconsciously tensed up to protect my weaker side. There were days in the early stages where the pain and muscle weakness were so bad, I could barely get out of bed. I couldn’t even lift a coffee mug, let alone my camera gear which has always been a huge part of who I am.

Eventually, I saw a rheumatologist and received a diagnosis. I was prescribed prednisolone, which helped enormously in the beginning, although I had to come off it very slowly to avoid long-term side effects like osteoporosis. These days, I’m off the medication and managing occasional flare-ups with the support of my specialist. Having the right ‘ologists’ has made all the difference.

One of the most important steps in my recovery was joining the Stroke Foundation’s Living Well After Stroke program. It really opened my eyes to how critical it is to listen to medical experts, and to take my medications properly and consistently. Now, I never skip them, because I know how much they reduce my risk of having another stroke.

Another major part of my recovery and pain management is strength training at Kieser. I’ve been going three times a week for almost six months now and I honestly feel like I have my life back. My strength and flexibility have improved to the point where I don’t even think about how to carry my camera gear anymore - I just do it.

When I miss a session, I feel the difference. But that’s also empowering as it reminds me how far I’ve come.

To anyone dealing with post-stroke pain and feeling frustrated or stuck, please know this: don’t give up.

Keep pestering your GP until you get referred to someone who can help your specific situation. Every person's needs are different. The key is finding health professionals you trust and then working with them.

Just making the appointment isn’t enough. But if you commit, if you show up, if you follow their advice… things really can get better.

You have nothing to lose, except some of your pain.