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National Stroke Week

by Nathan and KerrieLeave a Comment on National Stroke Week

The first week of September is National Stroke Week here in Australia.

Last year, Nathan participated in the inaugural Steps for Stroke fundraiser to raise funds and awareness for stroke in young adults. He walked 2.5km at RAAF Base Edinburgh, walking the furthest distance since his injury in May 2017.

This year, Nathan has challenged himself to tackle 5 mountain walks in Canberra. Covering just over 15km over the 5 walks, he hopes his efforts will continue to raise awareness for this debilitating neurological injury, especially in young adults. Nathan is also fundraising for the Brain Foundation and Stroke Foundation, hoping to raise vital funds for stroke research.

Nathan has been an inspiration to many, in particular to me, his wife. I have been with him every step of the way. The massive jump from last year to this year’s challenge is testament to Nathan’s hard work and dedication to his rehabilitation. He continues to achieve goal after goal his recovery journey while inspiring other young stroke survivors to never give up.

Although we’re only 2 walks into a 5 walk challenge, I know that he will be able to achieve this monumental challenge as he has a fighting spirit and is too stubborn to quit! We’ve both been through what can only be described as the worst moments of our lives, so from here on we’re trying to look positively towards the future. Yes, we will have ups and downs along the way, but as long as we keep striving and pushing each other, we know that we can conquer anything we set our mind to.

Here’s to the next few days of mountain climbs! (And then hopefully a well deserved break to celebrate!)

Hello Canberra

by Nathan and KerrieLeave a Comment on Hello Canberra

Oh why did we decide to move to Canberra in the midst of Winter?

We’ve moved into a comfortable 4 bedder on the northern side of Canberra, just a mere 5 minutes from the Federal Hwy. We spent about a week in temporary accommodation and a few weeks unpacking in our new home. We’ve spent time organising new rehab providers and specialists, working out where’s the closest grocery shop and takeaway joints. The past two months (has it been that long already?) has been a whirlwind of activity which is a welcome change to our lives in Adelaide.

As things start to settle down, we can get into some sort of routine. Our weeks consist of attending rehab 3 days a week at various locations around Canberra. On the other two days, Nathan’s new job is in Fairbairn, which is a quick (depending on traffic) 15-20minutes down another highway. Our weekends are spent lazing in bed (who wants to get up when it’s minus degrees outside!), driving up to Sydney to catch up with family and friends or slowly exploring our new city.

On top of this, Nathan pushes on with his home rehab program. This is a daily affair, which can get tiring after a while doing the same thing over and over again without seeing much progress. Nathan’s at the post two year mark now. Initially we were told that recovery happens in the first 12 months. But we now know that in order to recover, repetitive activities over a long time frame is what is needed to help neuroplasticity and regain function back.

We’ve been lucky to connect with stroke survivors around the world who are consistently regaining function back years after they’re stroke. It’s comforting and inspiring to watch others in the same position as us. We’ve also been able to connect with stroke survivors here in Canberra. Meeting face to face, we realise we’re not alone on our journey. Everyone is on their own path, but despite whatever they’re going through, everyone has been so positive and helpful with our move to Canberra.

Reflecting back on our time in Adelaide

by Nathan and KerrieLeave a Comment on Reflecting back on our time in Adelaide

*Finally posting this blog after our whirlwind road trip over from Adelaide to Canberra. I wrote this a few weeks before we left Adelaide and was going to edit it since we’re now currently in Canberra, but feel it’s best left as how I originally wrote it.

So if you haven’t heard, we’re moving to Canberra in about a month. Nathan’s getting posted to a new unit and we’ll be closer to family and friends in Sydney. With our move so close, I’ve been reflecting back on our time in Adelaide. It’s hard to sum it up in a single word or phrase. Yes, I have had enjoyable moments. But I have also experienced some of the worst moments of my life. Do they cancel each other out? I don’t think it works like that. However I’m trying to look back on our time here in Adelaide as a whole, not purely based on that defining event of our lives.

We’ve made friends, colleagues and acquaintances. We’ve explored South Australian towns and villages. We’ve sampled wine drunk our way through wineries, fine dined in the best restaurant of the year and tasted our way through Adelaide’s delights. We have a go to pork roll place, a favourite fast food joint and know the streets of Adelaide like the back of our hands.

But we’ve also gone through the bad and ugly. We’ve been on the wrong end of medical treatment. Nathan’s had to undergo 5 surgeries. I’ve had to quit my job to become a full time carer. We’ve been on the receiving end of discrimination. We have lost parts of ourselves. Losing the physical ability to walk, move and pick up objects. Losing the ability to work, love and live to the best of our abilities. Losing the idea of what life was meant to be like and plans that we had in place.

But from all that we’ve lost, over time we’ve learnt to refill the gap. We’ve been resourceful, determined and strong willed in our fight for justice and knowledge. We’ve learnt to not only rely each other, but ask others for help when needed. I’ve seen Nathan grow from strength to strength, from those first few days in a coma being told by doctors that he might not make it, to days in rehab where he always pushes on, no matter how much pain he is in. I have seen his motivation and determination exceed in places where others may have given up because it was the easier thing to do. In myself, I believe I have grown and matured from my time in Adelaide. My experience as a carer, partner and wife has dramatically changed and adapted with whatever has happened.

Maybe our time in Adelaide wasn’t what we had planned. But we’ve grown and developed as individuals and as a couple through each unique experience that presented itself. We’ve both been resilient on this journey, with our focus on his recovery and also raising awareness for stroke and brain injury in young adults.  I’m not sure if I can say I look forward to whatever else comes our way, but I can say that we’re both damn well prepared for whatever does happen.

Disabled parking

by Nathan and Kerrie1 Comment on Disabled parking

Public service announcement.

Please do not stand in the way with your door open and point at the disabled parking sign informing me that it’s a disabled parking spot that I’m trying to drive into. I already know that. That’s why I’m trying to park there. Please don’t judge or make an assumption of anyone trying to park in a disabled car spot. We wish we didn’t have to. I would do anything and everything to be in the position where my husband didn’t need to use the permit. But unfortunately he suffered a severe stroke that left him left side paralysed and we were told that he may never be able to walk or use his arm again. He’s had to undergo multiple life saving surgeries, had his head stitched closed multiple times, had to deal with an infection and has had to relearn basic things that you and I take for granted. He’s worked extremely hard to get to the stage where he’s able to walk with a walking stick, but things like fatigue and balance are ongoing issues that he’s working on. He needs a wide area to open the door the whole way so he can get out of the car. It’s difficult parking in tight car parking spots as it’s hard for him to get out without help.

So in the future, please don’t judge us or anyone else trying to park in a disabled car spot. Thank you.

Steps for Stroke

by Nathan and KerrieLeave a Comment on Steps for Stroke

Yes! Nathan successfully walked his goal of 2.5km and didn’t require the assistance vehicle. He was supported by his family, friends, therapists and unit who walked right behind him for the whole walk. We appreciate the ongoing support we’ve received.

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The 5km fun run/walk was held last Friday at RAAF Base Edinburgh. It was held during the National Stroke week to help raise awareness of stroke amongst our community. Thanks to all those who helped organise and plan for the day. We had such lovely weather for the day and there was such a large turn out of runners and walkers. We were both surprised by the amount of support we’ve received prior to the event and on the day. Hopefully, Steps for Stroke will be an annual fun run/walk event on base as it is a cause very close to our hearts and Nathan is still on the long road to recovery.

As of today, we have raised just under $9000! Nearly double our initial goal! The funds raised will go directly to the Brain Foundation who fund Australian research into stroke treatments. We hope that with further research, a cure for stroke can be found. A huge thank you to family, friends, the Defence community and supporters who have donated to help us raise this awesome amount! We wouldn’t be able to achieve our goals of raising awareness of stroke and fundraising for a cause dear to our hearts, without your ongoing support.

Following the event, we have been fortunate to be able to share our story with a few media outlets. Nathan was featured in Channel Ten News for a story on stroke and stroke research. We have been interviewed by a local newspaper and magazine and hope these articles help raise more awareness about stroke, in particular among young adults.

Travelling after Stroke

by Nathan and KerrieLeave a Comment on Travelling after Stroke

As a young newly wed couple, we were following our dreams of travelling around the world together, sampling foreign cuisines, hiking through countrysides and driving on open roads throughout the world. We had plans to travel to the UK and surrounding European countries over Christmas last year. These plans came to a grounding halt when Nathan’s injury happened. We cancelled previously booked flights, we stopped looking at travel destinations and focused on his health and recovery. Travelling overseas was out of the picture. Travelling around the city was an obstacle in itself.

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We’ve had to put our dreams on hold for an undetermined period. It’s not for forever, but it’s hard to put a date on when exactly we’ll be able to get back into travelling overseas. After a stroke, or any type of disability, detailed planning and preparation is required for travelling. There are medical conditions to take into consider, which medical equipment might be needed, what transport to take, medications, additional clothing and how to transport it all whilst pushing a wheelchair.

We have travelled domestically with Qantas so we’re familiar with how they operate. Researching for flights for stroke survivors or those with any sort of disability, we found that Qantas has provided a lot of helpful information on their website. They also offer a carer concession card for individuals who require assistance during the flight. You can apply for one here. Qantas allow those with special needs to call up and speak to someone directly to book flights, allowing us to comfortably explain our situation and requirements and in our experience they have been more than accommodating e.g. requesting aisle seat, wheelchair requirements etc.

The whole process from arriving at Adelaide airport to getting picked up from Sydney airport went very smoothly. I can’t thank the Qantas staff enough for their attention to detail and service. They assisted us with check in, boarding the plane, seating and exiting the aircraft. The small things made all the difference, such as checking up on Nathan throughout the flight and getting his wheelchair delivered to the aircraft door . They made our first flight a worry free affair.

 

Physical rehabilitation

by Nathan and KerrieLeave a Comment on Physical rehabilitation

Following a stroke or brain injury, patients are usually seen by a physiotherapist whilst at hospital, rehabilitation centre or referred onto other services. Nathan was initially seen by the physio for assessment upon entering the hospital system and continued after he awoke from his coma whilst in the stroke ward. Being hemiplegic, his physio routine initially consisted of small amounts of mobility e.g. trying to sit up and stand. Getting up and walking about wasn’t considered due to the extent of his injuries. In the early days following his stroke, his mobility was restricted to a wheelchair.

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Since those early days, Nathan has devoted his time and energy into recovering, whilst at the hospital, rehabilitation centre and at home. His focus has never wavered since his injury, with his main goals to learn to how to walk again and gain function back in his dominant arm and hand and return back to work.

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Whilst at BIRU and BIRCH at Hampstead Rehabilitation Centre, Nathan has undertaken intensive sessions of physio and OT to achieve his goals. This includes a variety of rehab activities:

Hydrotherapy – Resistance exercises in the water, allowing stroke patients with balance or strength issues to exercise
Lokomat – Intensive robotic gait retraining in an exoskeleton
Saeboglove – Assisted finger extension orthotic
Functional electrical stimulation – Preventing atrophy, building strength and keeping muscles active
Massager – Applies vibration to the weakened muscles to assist with activation
GRASP box program – Graded Repetitive Arm Supplementary Program, an arm and hand exercise program
ableX – Sensor based computer and therapy games based upper limb therapy device
Bioness glove – Applies low-level electrical stimulation to activate the nerves that control the muscles in the hand and arm
PABLO – Sensor based computer therapy hand and arm rehab device
OT exercises – Hand, finger and arm exercises
Physio exercises – Focusing on muscle strengthening e.g. sit ups, squats, calf raises

(As with all physical/ exercise programs, please consult your doctor and physiotherapist to determine what is best suited for your health and needs.)

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Nathan has achieved an enormous amount within the past year. He has regained movement in his leg, progressing from a powered wheelchair, to a manual wheelchair, then a quad stick and now single point stick. He has regained some gross motor movement in his shoulder, arm and hand. We were initially told that he would not be likely to walk or regain any movement in his arm. Despite this, he continues to push himself everyday to achieve his goals.