“Please send my thanks to the staff and carers at FSH ABI rehab ward. Without your help and encouragement, I wouldn’t have been able to get my head around what needed to be done to get back on my feet – literally”
Neph, a 53 year old mum, ultramarathon runner and accounts clerk who had a TBI after being hit by a car while riding her bicycle
It was on 25 June 2019, Tuesday at 6:15am after peeling off from my usual cycling group ride before work, I was hit by a car at a roundabout.
I was taken by ambulance straight to RPH hospital. I sustained traumatic brain injury which significantly affected me cognitively. I had difficulty recognizing people, communicating, let alone understanding people during conversation and having to ask people to repeat what they said.
Physically unable to get out of bed, nor stand unaided. My right leg was affected, specifically my ankle unable to take the weight. Being a very active person, it was extremely frustrating not being able to get up and be in a wheelchair to get me around.
I also have vestibular disfunction and my vision affected with vertical diplopia (double vision).
After 9 days at RPH, I was moved to Fiona Stanley Hospital. This is where all my rehabilitation therapy started for which I am very grateful. Every day, I was taken through rehab sessions by adedicated Physio Therapist and Occupational Therapist.
Not an easy task to get myself moving and participating but with the persistence of committed and enthusiastic team at the ABI ward I was discharged after 2 weeks.
Taking all opportunities available, I continued with the out-patient rehabilitation sessions at FSH. After completing FSH outpatient rehab program, I had a private OT consultant that helped me with a “gradual return to work” program. I also persisted going to a neurophysiological (PT) rehab to strengthen my right leg and desensitize my vestibular imbalance.
By 2021, I was able to go back runningand riding my bike albeit cautiously and to a moderate degree. I was able to go back to part time work(2x/week) as an accounts officer for 2yrs, 9 months.
Although I have stopped working 2 years ago, I operate a mobile childcare for my three granddaughters 😊, continue to be part of several community and church group, ride my bike, and go for long walks.
I continue to manage residual effects of my injury – (fatigue, mild aphasia, and vertigo) through the help of my GP and physiotherapist. There are good days and there are better days. Best day is to be able to get out there and be part of the community.