Real Life Stories: “I didn’t even think a stroke could happen to someone my age”
I had my hemorrhagic stroke at 23 due to a cerebral AVM that had formed an aneurysm and ruptured on October 30th, 2020.
We didn't know about the AVM prior but in hindsight explains my history of severe headaches.
That night while playing video games late with friends I was struck with a blinding headache all of a sudden. Then when the left side of my body started tingling too I ran to call an ambulance and get help. My last memory is being on a stretcher at the top of my staircase, thankful I was on my way to getting help.
After that came emergency neurosurgery and a 10 day sedated stay in the ICU. I came to in a rehab hospital where I would stay for two months doing inpatient rehab. After doing therapy on and off ever since I have returned to almost everything except for driving.
How did you feel when you woke up and realised what had happened?
It was difficult for me to initially grasp what had happened, not just from a memory perspective either. I was way out of my depth, I didn't know anything about strokes or brain injuries. I didn't even think a stroke could happen to someone my age. I wasn't sure of my long term prognosis at first, I remember asking my doctor if I'd ever even leave the hospital. He told me I was past the worst of it but I had a long recovery ahead. I was also ignorant about that. I had only heard of PT in the context of sports injuries for athletes, I didn't think strokes were something you could rehab from. That's what motivates me to share my experience and perspective now, I don't want anyone else to go through the uncertainty I did. In some ways though I think not having perspective or an end goal in mind helped me stay present and focused on the tasks directly in front of me though. I didn't know how far I could go so I just shot for the moon.
“I’m not unique in my ability to recover from a stroke, if I can do it, so can you. ”
What was the hardest thing during your rehab period?
The hardest thing for me during rehab was the isolation. Because my stroke happened during the height of COVID I couldn't have much visitation during my inpatient stay. I could only have one visitor for an hour on weekdays and it had to be the same visitor every time. My mom was that person for me. She'd sit by my bed with me and we'd video call with my dad. But when she left I'd be very lonely and my memory was so bad I'd often feel like I hadn't even seen her at all. This led me to getting to know my nursing and rehab staff very well though. Rather than sit in my room and watch TV I'd ask to be in my wheelchair outside the nurse's station so I could chat with and listen to them.
How did others help you in your recovery? or did they?
Community was by far the most important thing for me in this rehab. Not only my family and friends but the outpouring of support from acquaintances and strangers was flooring. My rehab professionals were engaged with all my questions and goals. My nurses comforted me when I cried. My friends were patient with me when I needed things repeated. My parents were selfless and helped me with my everyday activities. Family friends and acquaintances bought us dinners and showered me with support online. It was profoundly humbling to someone who had previously thought himself a bit alone
Is there anything you would say to other brain haemorrhage survivors?
If I could say anything to other brain hemorrhage survivors it's that you are not alone and if I can do it you can too. I'm not unique in my ability to recover from a stroke, if I can do it so can you. Try to break it up, take things one day/goal/therapy/step at a time. Trust the professionals around you to keep you moving in the right direction and know that no matter how small the current step is you're progressing. You can get to a better place.
Written by Brain Haemorrhage Hero, Vinny