Kate

On 11 September 2021, at the age of 56, I suffered a ruptured basilar tip aneurysm. I spent many weeks at Sir Charles Gardiner Hospital because of complications. I was in an induced coma for four weeks, developed fluid on the brain and had two brain infections. This resulted in two surgeries being performed to save my life. I have no memory of my time at the hospital but apparently spoke in different languages and thought I was only 23. I developed an acquired brain injury and was transferred to Fiona Stanley Hospital Rehabilitation Ward B on 15 October 2021.

The amazing nursing assistants, nurses, therapists and doctors supported me in my gradual recovery. I attended speech therapy with Kate to improve my comprehension and word retrieval. I was in a wheelchair, so a lot of hard work occurred in physiotherapy with Gia in the gym and hydrotherapy pool to help me develop balance, strength, coordination and walk again. I attended occupational therapy sessions with Danielle which helped with life skills and memory strategies. I cooked many wonderful breakfasts at Breakfast club with the support of allied health professionals.

The hard work began when I was discharged. I was part of a brain study at The University of Western Australia and worked hard to improve my deficits by attending outpatient therapy through Rockingham General Hospital, Fiona Stanley Hospital and the Curtin University Clinic. I always had regular check-ups with my GP and Rehabilitation Physician Stephanie Tang. I became a volunteer on Ward B at Fiona Stanley Hospital which I really enjoy. I attempted the return-to-work process as a special needs teacher but was unfortunately found it too difficult to deal with being such a demanding occupation with the constraints of a brain injury. so, I decided to retire medically from the Education Department. I eventually got my driver’s licence back and hugged the Occupational therapist after completing my four-hour assessment.

I tried to complete a TAFE course to become an Allied health Assistant. I became sick with bronchitis in week 7 and had to withdraw from the course. I came to the realisation that it would be dangerous to help patients move and transfer with poor balance myself and decided to not pursue the idea of becoming an allied health assistant. I also understood I would lose my disability pension. After not continuing with my TAFE course, I became very depressed, but with the help of my Psychiatrist and Psychologist I overcame depression.

I decided to pursue fun hobbies and help others at Fiona Stanley hospital by setting up a recreational program for stroke patients. I am still in the planning stage of this project, but it has given me great joy. I volunteer twice a week at Fiona Stanley, go to the gym and participate in the running of fortnightly craft classes. In the future I want to pursue the hobby of photography.