Six years ago on the 30th July 2018, I was in Pets at Home and a hot overwhelming dizziness hit me so hard that I collapsed on some sacks of pet food. I sat there trying to to level myself and wait for the feeling to subside. Unsure of what had just happened I stood up thought ‘what the heck was that about’ and walked out to my car and went home. Within half an hour of being back, I was on the floor again. Never once thought to call 111 etc: so went to the doctors the following day who sent me for a scan. It was determined I had a T.I.A.
I am still not ‘normal’ following times in hospital with neurological problems with hemiplegic migraines and potential T.I.A.'s. My short term memory is still poor and from time to time I still get the dreaded brain fog. I now walk with a stick for balance yet I can get out and about quite easily.
All of this happened when I had just finished my first year at university locally. I was also living with an abuser and I couldn’t see a way out. I would just like to say to anyone who is starting their journey, things do get better one day at a time. I used to sleep, a lot. I can’t remember much at all of 2019 yet somehow managed my foundation degree and went on to my final year. Two weeks into my final year I suffered a heart attack (had three more since then). I have been out of that toxic relationship for over four years and best of all, I achieved a 2:1, I bought a house jointly with my daughter and I am about to embark on an MSc this September.
Do not ever think your life is ruined, new possibilities do emerge. I have learnt to adapt to things I can’t do, and accepted (huge word when you don’t want to) what happened. My life changed and it made me more determined. I can’t run marathons any more so I challenge myself in other areas. Weirdly in things I would never have thought possible before. Don’t be too hard on yourself and trust your own healing process.
