Amanda
Amanda's Story
On 3 February 2018 I was found unconscious on my lounge room floor by my friend, who rang the police and ambulance. I was taken to Fiona Stanley Hospital (FSH) where I was treated in emergency. After some tests I was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis.
On 5 February I was taken to the intensive care unit (ICU). The next day I had an operation to remove part of my mastoid that was infected and lost most of my hearing. I stayed in the ICU until 10 February when I was moved to Ward 6B.
I cannot recall anything from the 1 – 11 February, and my memories are hazy until I moved down to the rehabilitation ward on 22 February.
I only know what was going on as my family kept a daily record for me, although they only wrote down positive things. I do remember starting rehabilitation on Ward 6B, the acute neurology ward. Oh, that was so hard – I just wanted to lie down and close my eyes. I could not move my left side and I had to learn to walk and use my left arm.
I was moved to rehabilitation on Ward B (the acquired brain injury rehabilitation ward) in the State Rehabilitation Service. That was when the hard work started. I realised it was up to me to push myself – if I wanted to get out and get back to living, I had to prove myself.
I did extra strengthening exercises in mybed, using the squishy putty to get my hands going, and moving my foot and leg around. The staff I had were amazing I had my birthday in rehabilitation. My family went to the pub and celebrated and sent me pictures.I was determined to walk out of hospital when they discharged me on 14 March after spending approximately 40 days in hospital. I did walk – mind you, it was only across the bridge from the hospital to the carpark, and I was holding on to the rail and someone was wheeling the chair behind me.
Oh, I hated that wheelchair. I only had it for two weeks at home and then I made the family take it back. My family didn’t mollycoddle me. If I was going to get back to living independently and having a life, I had to learn to do things myself. They helped in the background and have been there when I really needed them.
I won’t say it wasn’t hard, it was, but I look back and realise I wouldn’t be where I was if I hadn’t pushed and worked hard. I live independently, can drive myself, pay my own bills and can catch public transport.
I am living a different life. Don’t get me wrong – my life is not perfect, and I still do struggle – but I have good days and bad.