Stroke

I posted this on facebook back on August 17. It was 1 week after I had a stroke which turned out to be migraine induced. I am doing very well. However I think the post has some educational merit so I am posting it again in this forum.

I’ve thought about this post and sharing. But I think there are some things you can get value from so I am prepared to share.

Last  Saturday about this time I was in the middle of an activity and suddenly became unwell. I was unable to stay upright, had no balance and could not stop vomiting.

Easy diagnosis for me to make – and so off I went to hospital where over a few days an acute posterior circulation stroke was confirmed. I’m ok. Still in hospital but I’ll be out soon and I really am ok in the scheme of things – really. My wonderful husband and colleagues and friends have taken good care of me. I owe much thanks to the people in Katherine Hospital and Careflight and Royal Darwin Hospital and Palmerston Regional Hospital who have looked after me well and given the extra mile even though they’re all very clearly under resourced. I have met some lovely people, had lots of lovely chats, done some rural generalist evangelism and had some lovely visits from beautiful previous students and some beautiful friends. And my room is a veritable flower garden that staff come to visit and enjoy. I have been blessed! So blessed!

So why am I telling you this? I want to remind you of some things you already know but we all forget in the hustle and bustle of ordinary life.

1. God has this! We don’t always know why he allows things to happen but He has the overall control and knows the big picture so we can rest securely in that knowledge even when life is dishing us up lemons.

2. We don’t know what is going to happen today. Last week I was 100% well, enthusiastic and in my happy place – teaching. Until I wasn’t!

In minutes my life changed. Now I have been inordinately blessed, and am recovering well but equally it could have been a terminal event. And I would have had no time to sort things in my life!

We are all vulnerable. We might have an accident or have complications of procedures or develop an acute disease or …. Anything! Our lives can swing on a dime and never be the same. So it is a pertinent reminder of some Important principles!

1. We shouldn’t sweat the small stuff. As an example if someone cuts in front of you who cares? You’re alive and well for that to happen.

2. Today is the first day of the rest of your life! It is a day to make sure that we love our families and friends. Settle all quarrels. Don’t let the sun go down on our anger. Make sure we are right with God and our fellow humans all the time.

3. it is a day to decide to be a glass half full person. Let’s look for the positives. Do you have a gratitude journal? It’s worth starting one? What can we be grateful for today? I know some of you, are going through terrible times and have much trauma going on and it can be hard, so hard at times, to find something to be grateful for. I am NOT for one minute underestimating the difficulties you may be facing. But sometimes that burden can be dented by a simple hug or 5 minutes to get a cuppa. And for that, we can be grateful. Know that if I know about your situation you’re on my prayer list.

If we practice an attitude of gratitude there are many health benefits.

4. It is a day to reevaluate our priorities. What are the most important aspects of our lives that need to be prioritised?

– How can we make a difference to the world around us in a positive way? It may be that when we get our priorities right our circle in which to make a difference may decrease – BUT we can all, everyone of us, make a positive difference to the world in some way every day. I challenge us to find a way to make the world a better place in some way – no matter how small. Every day!

5. Not to frighten you but this is also a good time to remind you all of the symptoms of stroke. It can happen to anyone! Early intervention can save lives so be aware. Stroke symptoms often happen suddenly, and every person’s symptoms may vary. The warning signs of stroke include:

* Weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg, usually on one side of the body

* Trouble speaking or understanding

* Problems with vision, such as dimness or loss of vision in one or both eyes

* Dizziness or problems with balance or coordination

* Problems with movement or walking

* Fainting or seizure

* Severe headaches with no known cause, especially if they happen suddenly

Other less common symptoms of stroke may include:

* Sudden nausea or vomiting not caused by a viral illness

* Brief loss or change of consciousness, such as fainting, confusion, seizures or coma

So be on the lookout. If you can’t remember the above then remember FAST! which stands for Face (facial droop), Arms (inability to lift arms), Speech (slurred speech) and Time (Time to call 000 or 911).

https://strokefoundation.org.au/…/australians-are-not….

6. Finally some of my favourite texts for you!

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Now some of you are likely to be anxious re me re this post. Don’t be. I am improving well. I will be ok. But I don’t want you to have to have the wake up call I have just had to stop and smell the roses and dwell on the bigger picture!

Today I am thankful! I am grateful to be here and recovering. I’m grateful to live in a country where I can access good medical care. I’m grateful for a very special family who have my back. I’m grateful for all my very many beautiful and amazing friends and colleagues.

Blessings to each of you  xx