Where It All Began: A Warrior's Honest Reflections

The world shifted on a Friday afternoon. One moment, I was with my boys visiting with my mom, the next could only be described as the worst headache I’ve ever had. Soon after came slurred words, loss of balance, reduced strength in my hands, then a blackout. That was the day “stroke” ceased to be a word in a medical drama like ER or Grey’s Anatomy. Instead, it became my harsh reality, and it would take years to muster up the courage to share my story with you.

Looking back, years before my hemorrhagic stroke, there were whispers, or subtle signs that I either ignored or didn’t understand. Now, with the clarity that comes from surviving the unimaginable, I find myself constantly revisiting those moments, a relentless “what if” echoing in my mind. This reflection isn’t a tale of woe, but a raw, honest reflection on the knowledge that might have altered my path or softened the brutal impact of that life-altering event.

The Illusion of Invincibility: Youth Isn’t a Shield

One of the biggest misconceptions I embarrassingly believed was that strokes only happened to seniors. So, in my twenties and thirties, the idea of a stroke never even crossed my mind. I was young, active, and felt relatively healthy. The occasional headache was often related to stress, fatigue, or overwhelm. I now know how dangerously wrong I was.

Strokes don’t discriminate by age. What I’ve come to know and understand is that the risk of a stroke does increase with age; however, what I also know and understand, dear reader, is that strokes can and do happen to younger adults, even children. I was in my prime when it happened, and with a lot of life to live — I still do — but I digress. I wish I had understood this fundamental truth. It would have made me more attuned to my body, less dismissive of seemingly minor symptoms, and perhaps more proactive about my overall health. The invincibility of youth is a dangerous illusion, one that can have devastating consequences.

The Power of Prevention: Small Changes, Big Impact

Hindsight is a cruel teacher. Looking back, I can identify several lifestyle factors that likely contributed to my stroke risk. While not terrible, my diet wasn’t always the picture of health. Common features in my diet were processed foods, sugary drinks, and a major sweet tooth, with a general lack of fruits and vegetables. Exercise was not always frequent, especially when life got busy — raising rambunctious twin boys was a lot of work, at best. And stress? Let’s say I wore it like a badge of honour.

I now understand the profound impact these seemingly small choices can have on overall health. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity are all significant risk factors for stroke, and many of these outcomes are directly influenced by lifestyle. I wish I had prioritized a healthier diet, incorporated regular physical activity into my routine, and carved out more time to use effective strategies like mindfulness, meditation, nature walks, and the like to manage stress. These aren’t just trendy wellness buzzwords but fundamental pillars of stroke prevention.

Understanding My Family History: The Genetic Lottery

While lifestyle plays a significant role, genetics can also be a factor in stroke risk. I knew vaguely that some distant relatives had experienced heart issues and high blood pressure, but I never looked deeper into my family’s medical history regarding stroke. I never thought to…

Knowing your family’s history of cardiovascular disease, including stroke, can provide valuable insights into your potential risks.

This information can empower you to have more informed conversations with your doctor and take proactive steps towards prevention. I wish I had taken the time to gather this information and discuss it with my healthcare provider.

The Importance of Regular Check-ups

My annual physicals felt like a box-ticking exercise. I’d answer the standard questions, get a quick blood pressure check, and be on my way. I never actively engaged in discussions about my cardiovascular health or potential stroke risks. This was a missed opportunity.

Regular check-ups are more than just routine appointments; they are vital opportunities to monitor your health, identify potential risk factors, and discuss preventative measures with your doctor. I wish I had been more proactive during these appointments, asking questions, expressing concerns, and working collaboratively with my doctor to understand and mitigate my risks. In a perfect world, I also wish that MRIS would be included in our yearly check-ups. That way, the doctors would be aware of something brewing before it becomes too late.

The Silent Killer: High Blood Pressure and Cholesterol

High blood pressure and high cholesterol are often called “silent killers” because they typically don’t present with obvious symptoms until a serious event occurs.

Now, I understand the insidious nature of these conditions and their direct link to stroke risk. Regular blood pressure and cholesterol checks are simple yet powerful early detection and management tools. Please don’t take them lightly. They are essential to your health!

The Urgency of Recognizing Stroke Symptoms: Time is Brain

Before my stroke, my knowledge of the warning signs was limited to the stereotypical drooping face. I wasn’t aware of the other crucial symptoms, such as sudden numbness or weakness, difficulty speaking or understanding, sudden vision problems, or severe headaches with no known cause. This lack of awareness almost cost me dearly.

“Time is brain” is the critical mantra in stroke care. The faster you recognize the symptoms and seek medical attention, the greater the chance of minimizing brain damage and improving outcomes. I wish I had ingrained the acronym FAST (Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call emergency) into my memory. But why would I? I had no reason to. In hindsight, recognizing the signs and acting immediately could have significantly impacted my recovery journey.

The Reality of Recovery: It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint

The reality of stroke recovery is far more complex and challenging than I ever imagined it would be. It’s a long, arduous journey that can involve physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and ongoing emotional and psychological support.

I wish I had been more prepared for the long and often frustrating road of recovery. Understanding the potential long-term effects of stroke, both visible and invisible, would have helped me navigate the emotional rollercoaster and set more realistic expectations.

The Importance of Support Systems: You Don’t Have to Go It Alone

The aftermath of a stroke can be incredibly isolating, and it certainly was. Suddenly, you’re facing a new reality with physical limitations, cognitive challenges, and emotional turmoil. During this time, support and understanding from your family, friends, and support groups (shout out to March of Dimes and Heart & Stroke ) are crucial for navigating this difficult terrain.

Before my stroke, I was fiercely independent and often reluctant to ask for help. I now understand the immense strength and comfort of a strong support system, and it’s one I’m very grateful to have. I wish I had deeper connections and been more open to leaning on others, both before and after my stroke.

The Gift of Perspective: Finding Meaning in the Aftermath

While my stroke was devastating, it has also brought an unexpected gift: perspective. I now appreciate the simple things I once took for granted—the ability to walk without assistance, speak clearly, and hug my loved ones without struggle. My priorities have shifted. I value time, relationships, creating memories, and experiences over material possessions and career ambitions.

I wish I hadn’t needed a life-altering event to gain this perspective, but I am grateful for the lessons learned. Life is fragile and precious, and every moment is a gift.

Moving Forward: Advocacy and Awareness

My journey as a stroke warrior has ignited a passion for raising awareness and advocating for stroke prevention and support. I share my story not for sympathy, but to empower others with the knowledge I wish I had possessed.

By sharing my honest reflections, I hope to encourage others to take their health seriously, learn the warning signs of stroke, and understand that it can happen to anyone at any age. My greatest hope in sharing this reflection is that it will improve yours.

This is my truth. It reminds me that while we can’t change the past, we can learn from it and build a healthier, more informed future.

Food for Thought

Is there anything you wished you knew before a major event in your life? If so, please share. I'd love to hear about it.

Bree xo

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