My stroke was caused by an AVM

By Lilian

In 2009, I had a stroke while in the snowfields of Perisher, NSW. Although I had all the signs of a stroke, I was only 27 years old and my signs were dismissed as a migraine.

I found it hard to get treatment as doctors couldn’t find the cause of the bleeding. I visited four different hospitals in less than ten days, until I was finally given an angiogram which diagnosed my congenital condition. I am in the about 1 per cent of the population born with arteriovenous malformation (AVM), it burst and I needed emergency surgery.

The stroke had a huge physical impact on me. I was unable to move or feel anything on the right side of my body and face. I also lost my speech. But with a lot of hard work and proper follow ups with a physiotherapist, occupational therapist and speech therapist, I recovered about 95 per cent within a month.

My young age and underlying fitness were also on my side. I say 95 per cent, as the only permanent side effect from the surgery is my hand is a bit numb and I don’t have fine motor skills - I lost them when they performed the extraction.

My recovery was absolutely amazing. In about three weeks, I was able to go back to work which helped me to get back my independence and sense of self.

Since 2009, I have seen people become much more aware that stroke can happen to anyone at any age, and to act F.A.S.T.

I didn’t get the treatment that I needed in 2009, but stroke treatment and care has come a long way since then.

According to my neurosurgeon Professor Michael Morgan, the majority of my recovery was due to my mindset and the amazing support I got from the people around me. Prayers, fundraisings and a lot of visits with flowers and chocolates prior my surgery. My family and friends were scared, but I wasn’t. Not one bit.

I refused to believe that I was never going to walk or talk again. I never gave up and that optimism, and positivity became my reality.

I have written a book called Two Lives, which I hope will inspire other people in their own journey, and raise awareness that stroke happens to young people too!

My focus is now on helping others to face life after stroke. I know every one's journey after stroke is different, but for me, I credit my mindset with how I was able to turn things around. The results for me have been magical.

Today I do a lot of yoga, active lifestyle and I try to eat as clean as possible. I got married and have two beautiful and healthy children.