At the end of 2023, Hayley went to work for what was meant to be a normal day making and serving coffee. She was her usual bright and bubbly self until she wasn’t.

CHAT SESSION 67 with Hayley Browne

Topic- During times of adversity, Hayley’s story stands as a true testament to the privilege that is good health.

Catch up and listen to our chat session https://megaphone.link/LCRUI3456571757

Monday 5th Augusts 2024 1pm https://rppfm.com.au

The Australian public health system has come a long way in achieving improvements across public health and healthcare.

With improved public health knowledge, many recognise the strong relationship between good lifestyle choices and improved health outcomes. Consequently, many strive to live a balanced, healthy and active lifestyle, however, even those who prioritise good health and wellbeing can face unexpected health complications.

At the end of 2023, Hayley went to work for what was meant to be a normal day making and serving coffee. She was her usual bright and bubbly self until she wasn’t. Hit with a wave of disassociation, there was a sudden change in her demeanour. What began as a wave of unsteadiness quicky turned into something much more serious. Presenting with confusion, double vision, and a loss of balance, Hayley’s colleagues made the decision to call 000. While waiting for paramedics to arrive, Hayley’s condition worsened, experiencing paralysis of the face, difficulty speaking and understanding, slurred speech, and weakness of the arms.

Hayley was taken to hospital via ambulance. Upon arrival to hospital, Doctors made a quick assessment – 22-year-old female, presenting with double vision, difficulty speaking and understanding, otherwise fit and healthy. Has a history of migraine and is currently going through a stressful time- facing study pressure nearing the end of her teaching degree, while also navigating personal stressors supporting her grandmothers transition into palliative care.

At the time, Hayley’s circumstances were considered by the doctors. She was advised to meet with her GP regarding ongoing migraine treatment, handed a pharmaceutical script and sent on her way.

It was confirmed three days later, from the results of an MRI that a blood clot had travelled through her circulating blood, up to her brain and caused a stroke. Hayley spent the next 5 days in hospital, undergoing numerous scans, tests and assessments in effort to understand the cause and full impact of the stroke.

After numerous visits from doctors, neurologists and allied health professionals- physiotherapists, speech therapists, occupational therapist – medical conclusions were drawn. Hayley was left with permanent brain damage resulting in some weakness down her left side, cognitive impairments impacting her short and long-term memory, forgetfulness, and fatigue. She was told that the blood clot had caused a blockage in her brain resulting in damage that would neither worsen nor improve.

As for the cause of the stroke, doctors found a PFO in Hayleys heart. PFO or Patent Forman Ovale is a flap like opening in the wall between the upper chambers of the heart. From birth it occurs in about 1 in 4 people and usually causes no symptoms meaning it rarely requires treatment. Although, in Hayleys case, doctors believed a small blood clot travelled to her heart, crossed through the pfo into her circulating blood flow, travelled to her brain, and caused the stroke.

However, ambiguities lingered. Doctors warned a future of further testing, assessment, medical appointments and potential surgery. Such uncertainties, and stressors took a further toll on Hayley’s mental well-being. Unsure how the next 6-12 months would go left Hayley feeling lost, with a sense of no direction or meaningful purpose. Her initial plan to move overseas, take a gap year and travel before pursuing her teaching career was put on hold. It was a challenging period in her life. Like many young people Hayley felt a lot of pressure to be doing it all and to have it all figured out.

Now 8 months on Hayley looks back at her journey and is overwhelmed with an intense sentiment of gratitude. She feels incredibly lucky that the consequences of her stroke have had minimal impact on her day-to-day life. Physically, the weakness in her left side has resolved and she now experiences close to full range of movement. As for her cognitive impairment, she occasionally experiences difficulty with her short and long-term memory, forgetfulness and fatigue.

Under the advice of specialists, Hayley went ahead and had her PFO closed. Although some things remain unanswered, she recognises that there is so much to be thankful and grateful for. From the obvious things, like being able to walk and talk, through to her deep appreciation for modern medicine, and the ability to understand what is happening in her body, from day one Hayley’s resilience has been fuelled by gratitude. She hopes by sharing her story people are reminded of how precious life is and how quickly things can change.

Photos of Hayley living in the moment, enjoying the adventures and making memories with her besties.

For more information visit Stroke Foundation Australia

My hope is that when you’re looking at yourself in the

‘The Daily Mirror’

YOU SMILE

EMBRACE BEING YOU

AND FIND 10 MINUTES IN YOUR DAY TO NOURISH YOUR SOUL!

To get in touch with Cathy email smileinthedailymirror@gmail.com 

'The Daily Mirror' acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Custodians of the land and acknowledges and pays respect to their Elders, past and present.