Stroke is a thief

By Joanna 

In 2016 I suffered a stroke due to two aneurysms in my brain. I was 35 years of age and about 7 and a half months pregnant. In an instant the life we planned with our daughter changed forever. 

It was a Saturday, I wasn’t in any pain, I had no symptoms to alert me to the stroke. I had cleaned the house and was about to head out to do the grocery shopping. My husband noticed that my eyes were crossed, and I was slurring my words. He recognised that I was having a stroke and called an ambulance immediately.  

I was rushed to surgery and placed in a coma to allow my brain to heal. I was unconscious for two months and during this time doctors delivered my baby girl via caesarean.  

When I woke, I didn’t remember anything about the coma, my first thought was my baby. I asked to see her, and Melanie was placed on a pillow beside me because I couldn't hold her. 

The stroke robbed me of the first few months of bonding with my daughter. I missed her birth, and I was in hospital for most of her first year. I am grateful to the doctors for doing what they needed to, and ensuring Melanie was safe and well, but I will never get back that that time with her. 

I always wanted to be a mum and look after my family. In the ways that count, I do. I love my family and I will move heaven and earth to be the best version of myself. But it is not how I wanted it. I have been lucky; I have a close and supportive family, and everyone pulls together. But I have never played with my daughter on the floor, I have missed birthdays and events because of my wheelchair and going to the bathroom is difficult for me. 

Even now, seven years after my stroke simple tasks are a challenge. My speech is affected, and it is hard for others to understand what I say. I must use my left hand, as my right arm and hand don’t work, even doing my own hair is a challenge. I can’t eat or drink normally, but I am learning to eat ‘regular’ foods.

I have to say to myself, "Joanna, you have come so far", in the early days after the stroke I couldn't even breathe on my own. This is why I am sharing my story, to raise funds for stroke research and support for people like me – will you please help?  

Today, I am determined to be the best mum I can and make the best of my life. Everyone’s journey is different, and I will never give up.