On 20th September 2018, whilst working as a teaching assistant at a local primary school I had a stroke (small infarct on the left hemisphere close to the precentral gyrus) – I lost the use of my right side and my speech was laboured!  The school first aider was called, and she took me away from the chaos of the classroom!  Although I was having a stroke it was not expected at 34 years, so no ambulance was called!  My husband, on the other hand, was contacted, who took me to my local walk-in centre, where I had a few tests and was told they would ring an ambulance.  We still had no idea what was happening!!

After a long while we were told to go straight to A&E, as the ambulance hadn’t arrived – and with an envelope marked ‘Stroke co-ordinator’!!  By then I was able to walk very slowly, and the heaviness/numbness was easing.  This was the first mention of what was happening!  At that point I became quite scared, as did my husband.

After arriving at A&E I had some assessments, bloods and a CT scan done and an experience in resus.  I was told they didn’t know what was happening, prescribed me clopidogrel and lansoprazole as a precaution and told me to go home to rest and wait for an outpatient MRI appointment.

I was so confused and incredibly fatigued, a sort of tiredness I’d never experienced!  Being a young mum of an 11-year-old and two 8-year-olds, I’m used to being tired, but this was something else.

I was phoned the next day with an appointment for the following day.  I’d never had so many tests, appointments and different doctors; being a young, fit 34-year-old.  I had my MRI and just broke down!  I didn’t know whether I was coming or going, confused, frustrated so many emotions.  My husband felt for me too as he couldn’t make it go away or help in any way, apart from doing pretty much EVERYTHING around the house.

So, after a three-week wait, I had the results that changed my outlook on life forever.  My doctor confirmed that I had had a minor stroke!  My heart dropped, as did my husband’s.

Within 6 months I experienced a lot of fatigue and issues with memory.  I also had a three-night stay in hospital just before Christmas, as I was getting numb/pins and needle feelings in my affected arm and face.  This thankfully turned out to be sensory issues and emotionalism.  However, after another MRI I was given some good news; all the rest and time away from work etc had helped heal the scarred tissue on my brain!  Yay!  I call this time a blessing in disguise.  Without that MRI I wouldn’t know what healing was being done.

As I was beginning to feel better, (but of course I had my bad weeks!) I decided that I wanted to do something for this amazing charity as so many of you had helped me through those bad times.  So on 30th March 2019, my little family and I took part in a 5km inflatable obstacle course to raise money and awareness for this brilliant charity.  It was such a brilliant feeling, being able to do it, but doing it for others was the best feeling.

We were able to raise almost £500 for Different Strokes!  I’m so proud of what we all did and grateful to everyone that helped us to achieve this.  My family and friends have been a massive strength to me, as has my husband – with him taking on so many things, just so that I could rest and get better.  I don’t know what I would have done if it wasn’t for him and my amazing friends who helped me out with the children, walked with me to drop off and collect them, took me out when the same four walls were getting me down……..I love them all!

I’m now 8 months post stroke and trying very hard to get back to ‘regular life’.  I’m on a phased return to work and managing quite well.

I just want to say a massive thank you to all of you that helped through the dark days and constantly pick me up on the not so good days.  I love reading about everyone’s progress and journeys.

We’re all survivors

Lots of love, Amy