Zoe Millen

I was 27 years old when I had my stroke, I used to work as a HealthCare Assistant, working in a residential home for people with Learning Disabilities. My life was not good, I was constantly getting bullied by my manager, I also felt unworthy and I had no self esteem... That was, until my stroke! It happened on 6th June 2003, I had been out, taking the dogs for a walk, I got home and collapsed... It was that fast, I had no warning signs, no headaches, nothing. I remained conscious throughout, My mum was at work and I knew I had to get to the phone, but half of my body didn't seem to respond to my commands! I was paralysed down my left side and would remain paralysed to this day... Eventually, my mum found me, and called for an ambulance.

Once at hospital, I allowed myself to lose consciousness, and I remained unconscious for four days. The moment I truly woke up, everything had changed, I had a new sense of hope, I was confident, self-assured, and I was truly happy! I don't know how, but I felt like a cloud had been lifted! I remained in hospital for 3 months, going to Physio and O/T every day, but I knew if I didn't get home soon, I would die inside, so I made the doctor's discharge me, but I promised them to stick to Physio...

There isn't much help for young people with strokes, and the doctors and nurses don't truly understand what we go through, but I've gone from strength to strength, I've just been employed as a volunteer at MIND, I can walk (Although not far) and I see the beauty of life and what it has to offer! I would tell anyone who is in the same situation as me, it's ok to have a stroke, don't let anyone tell you what to do, but most of all, be truly happy with what you have, because with the flick of your fingers, it can be gone!

I'm proud of my achievements, I'm proud to be alive... But most of all, I'm proud to be who I am today, and it wouldn't have happened without the stroke, so in a really warped way, I'm glad I had my stroke!

Thanks to Zoe for sending in her profile. Anyone else who would like to share their story can send it along with a photograph (if you're not shy!)

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