Running for the Hearts that Can't
I am taking part in RUN 100 to raise funds for the Irish Heart Foundation and I’d love your support to help protect hearts in Ireland. ❤️
The Irish Heart Foundation’s mission is to eliminate preventable death and disability from heart disease and stroke and to support and care for those living with these life-changing conditions.
Your donation will make a real difference to people and families affected by heart disease and stroke.
Thank you for visiting my page and for your support.
My Achievements
Shared Page
Self Donated
Updated a Profile Pic
Logged your 1st KM or Mile
25% Target Reached
Reached Fundraising Goal
My Updates
This is me!
Friday 31st Jan Life before stroke and aphasia.I was an area retail manager with around 30 shops to look after for Gala. There were Bakers Corners, Coffee Junctions, Distill, Galato, tills, deli, shop floor, back office.......
I also had to attend Gala road shows and the offices.
Emily and Alfie are my idols. I can't say how much they mean to me. Emily is 11 years and Alfie is 5. Family are amazing - that's it!! _________________________________________
When was your aphasia onset?
I went shopping at the Pavillions and we went walking and talking like normal. We went to mam in law's Dee's house, Paul's family and Grandad Shay was there too. I had a headache and thought it was nothing, and thats when it happened.
Alfie was 4 days old when my stroke happened.
I do not remember my stroke or how long I was in the hospital for. I had a stroke on 9/10/19. Two days later they did a brain scan and decided on surgery. I had a second surgery 2 months later to replace my skull bone.
__________________________________________
Tell us about hospital and rehabilitation experience?
During the time I was the Beaumont Hospital it was very tough because having aphasia I had no speech.
I had to work with an OT, PT, & STL.
I remember trying to tell the nurses on others in the ward '"quick there's Mrs Potters pulled her tubes out"' and couldn't because of my speech.
My sister came in and did my nails when I was in the hospital. Paul would get chipper chips, sausage in batter and bring them up to me.
I had to grow my hair back.
I loved having my fiance, my children, family and friends, visit me.
Rehab at NRH & COVID.
My time in NRH was really hard because no speech and it was really hurtful. I could not see my family, friends, or Paul's and the children anyway. At the NRH Mon and Fri we had intense therapy.
Me, Laraine, Christine, and Mary were crazy. We had a great time during lockdown. Laraine Minihan has passed away since - she is my angel
I got post in from my friends and family .
I WAS DETERMINED TO GET OF THE THE WHEELCHAIR AND I DID IT!!!!!!
I was in the hospital and the NRH from 9th Oct 2019 until the 22nd May 2020.
Unanswered Questions
Was my stroke from pregnancy or labour or was it just a stroke?
In all the words they give in my medical records, they did not answer the question I was asking?
_________________________________________
What has been most helpful on your aphasia journey?
I walk, Motomed bike, Noel 'Coach' physio, Katie from Primary care centre, NALA, Sing Aphasia, Café Aphasia, Book Club, Poetry, Rocking Aphasia, Tues Treats, NRH Driving assessment, Aphasia Awareness Month Virtual 5K, Virtual Connections, ABI, Emily and Alfie.
_________________________________________
How has aphasia impacted your life?
I lost power on my right side.
My family and friends are very supportive.
I know it's hard for my daughter Emily having known me before and having to get to know me again but I love her!
Alfie never knew before my stroke but I love him - especially!
Dr Boyle, Julie, Dr Jacinta Morgan, all the staff of Beaumont and NRH.
Caroline Flanagan for ABI and staff are incredible.
Irish Heart Foundation
And Virtual Connections because with miles and miles from America, Honolulu, Canada, England, you pick me up when I am down and make me laugh.
________________________________________
What are your tips for staying positive and hopeful on the aphasia journey?
My first one is Emily and Alfie
Keeping busy in research.
Sharing with others I have met personally or virtually.
And just staying positive - you can do it!!
‐--------‐----------------------------------------------------------
