Real Life Stories: “I had a brain haemorrhage at 17”
I experienced my brain hemorrhage, otherwise referred to as a hemorrhagic stroke, when I was merely 17 years old.
I’m only 18 now, but my life has changed drastically in the past year. My hemorrhage was caused by a ruptured blood vessel in my brain, known as an AVM (arteriovenous malformation).
*An arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is a tangle of blood vessels that irregularly connects arteries and veins, disrupting blood flow and oxygen circulation. For more about brain haemorrhages click here.
The discovery of the abnormal vein that I was born with (once its presence was made known) forced me to make many lifestyle changes to avoid another hemorrhage. One of which is closely monitoring my blood pressure. My doctors have suggested that I avoid blood-thinners and stress, to the best of my ability.
My life is incredibly different now than it was before my accident, but I’m extraordinarily grateful for the progress that I’ve made.
“Recovering from a TBI (traumatic brain injury) was utterly exhausting, but I’ve learned a tremendous amount in the process. Not only about the human brain but also about my physical body. I’ve witnessed first hand, just how important taking care of yourself truly is. ”
The one thing all of my doctors have emphasized to me is to get enough sleep. I take plenty of naps since I still struggle with my energy level, so I’m surely succeeding in following their advice. I’ve had to make a ton of lifestyle changes as well. The most significant being, to become more conscious of what is going on with my body. Monitoring my symptoms, listening to my brain when it needs a rest, establishing good, healthy habits, and making sure I get PLENTY of sleep have all been essential parts of my recovery. I’ve excelled at establishing good, healthy habits that have contributed to my amazing recovery as well as have helped set me up for future success.
I’m doing amazing, all things considered, but I still have some minor deficits in my life. My most debilitating deficit is my memory. I suffered from short term memory loss for months, but like many other aspects of my life, it has improved a great amount. The biggest difference between my life now and before my rupture is the amount of patience I must display for myself. I have to remember not to push myself too hard, as I am still recovering, and the things I used to do with ease are going to be inevitably more difficult for me now.
If I were to give one piece of advice to fellow hemorrhagic stroke victims, it would be this:
“Don’t compare yourself now to the person you were before. ”
Rather, compare yourself now to who you were just moments after your stroke. That will instill you with a much greater sense of gratitude, and reduce the constant frustration you feel. Overall, I’m grateful for where I’m at today and for the awesome information that organizations like this one are providing!
Written by Brain Haemorrhage Hero, Kinleigh