Sheila’s Story – Haemorrhagic Stroke at 33
- Greg Hollingworth
Two years ago I could never have imagined that this is the journey life would take me on. Prior to having a stroke I had minimal knowledge about strokes at all, probably like the majority of people in their early thirties. Thankfully I am glad to say that I am still here, to tell my story and one of my main purposes in life is now to promote stroke awareness as much as I can.
Eighteen months ago I was at the peak of my life; I had just married my amazing husband nine months before and we were both thriving in our careers. He had just started a new, challenging role in systems engineering and myself a government lawyer, who was mentoring a large stream of new starters.
We discussed our wishes of having children and we were very much excited for all our future plans, as any other newlyweds would be. However, little did we know waiting round the corner was about to be one of the most traumatic events that can happen to a couple so early on in a relationship. On 16th April 2023 I suffered a haemorrhagic stroke whilst driving. The saving grace is no accident occurred and my husband reacted quite quickly when he noticed I was mounting the curb.
However tragically when he made the decision to take over driving and came to switch positions with me on the driver’s side, I totally collapsed out of the car and could no longer walk, or even stand.
He had to drag me into the back seat whilst calling the emergency services, but also trying to get the car to a safe place. To this day I cannot comprehend how scary it must have been for him. I had been diagnosed as hypertensive several years ago, but in my younger days I never took it as seriously and although I was aware of the risks, I never thought it would be me! Initially whilst driving it started with me saying I was having a tingly sensation in my left arm but we both thought nothing until I started mounting the curb. When my body gave way coming out the car in that moment I knew straightaway I was having a stroke…and then it all went blank.
Three days later I would start to come back to full consciousness and wake up to a new reality, that I was in hospital forty five miles away from home, and in Nottingham, when I actually live in Nuneaton. The scariest part was realising I had paralysis down my entire left side of my body! I was initially admitted to Queens Medical Hospital in Nottingham for two weeks and transferred to another two hospitals for a total of four weeks under hospital care.
Fast forward to now I reflect on enduring one of the hardest tests that can be thrown at you, both in life – and in a marriage. My Christian faith carried me through, and I write this article with gratitude at being able to share my story as it all could have gone terribly wrong. My recovery has exceeded medical expectations throughout the year and with the amazing support from my physiotherapists, my family and friends, my colleagues and most importantly my husband I feel I have regained my full independence.
It is true what they say, what doesn’t kill you truly makes you stronger. Although I still have left sided weakness with severe muscle spasticity, which at time requires me to use my walking stick outdoors or wear a leg support, I am determined to not let this defeat me so early on in my life.
I am truly the happiest I have ever been, and life has more purpose. I could go on to live for as many years as I’ve currently been alive and this time, I want to make it count. There is still life after stroke -it’s just what you tell your mind!!
I would love for the myth about strokes being permanently incapacitating to be removed, especially for young people. I feel strongly about this particularly, because in hospital sometimes I didn’t really feel positive encouragement (even from some medical professionals) about my ability to recover.
Also (and most certainly) I know some of my relatives thought that was the end for me, due to an incorrect belief that strokes leave you ‘braindead’. I want young people to know they can still be of great value to society, whether they have a disability or not.Meeting people from the Different Strokes community has really empowered and educated me; that no one stroke is the same and everyone’s recovery is different. So if you’re a survivor own your own recovery. Don’t let limits be set for you!! I’m looking forward now to living in my true purpose. I’m thriving in my career and enjoy travelling now, even more than ever – and I’ve definitely learnt that it’s okay to put me first!
Your donation helps others like Sheila on their journeys
There are 100,000 strokes in the UK each year with 1 in 4 happening to somebody of working age or younger. Different Strokes aims to promote independent stroke recovery and help these younger stroke survivors reclaim their lives.
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