A Darwin woman is sharing her stroke story with key Northern Territory decision makers, in a bid to improve outcomes for survivors of stroke and help prevent stroke in the community.
Alison Reidy was just 38 years old when she had her stroke last year and is still recovering.
"It's been quite isolating and has absolutely changed my life. Recovery is literally exhausting. I still tire often and even the simplest things can be exhausting. I still have speech and mobility issues, and each day I need to gauge my energy like a battery. Whilst I've come a long way, there is still a way to go!"
While Alison did not experience the common signs of stroke, (facial droop, inability to lift both arms and slurred speech) she is urging others to know the signs.
"Always be aware of the signs and speak up if you feel 'off'. It can be the difference between life and death and a good recovery or long-term disability. You could save your own life or someone else's."
"Stroke is still often regarded as an old person's disease, but this is not the case. There are so many younger Australians, like me, who have been impacted."
In her mission to spread awareness and help other survivors, Alison will today share her story with Northern Territory MPs, calling on them to take action and ensure the NT Government is continuously working to improve outcomes for stroke survivors, improve access to treatment and provide ongoing education in prevention.
She'll be joined by Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Dr Lisa Murphy.
"This is a great opportunity for the Northern Territory's decision makers to hear about the real-life impacts of stroke and how education on the signs of stroke can have a significant impact on a person's chance of survival and recovery."
Alison is one of the nearly 450,000 Australian's living with stroke, of which more than 2,500 are in the Northern Territory.
"In the Northern Territory, nearly 200 people will have a first stroke this year, and more than 30 of them will not survive. We need to turn the statistics around, but we can't do it alone," Dr Murphy said.
Late last year, the Northern Territory Government announced Royal Darwin Hospital will be joining the South Australia Telestroke service after-hours, allowing Adelaide-based neurologists to provide consultations to suspected NT stroke patients through videoconferencing.
To boost the Telestroke service, Stroke Foundation is calling for the Northern Territory Government to develop and roll out a targeted F.A.S.T. multi-media campaign to educate Territorians on the common signs of stroke and this importance of calling an ambulance immediately.
"Access to Telestroke services is crucial but can be enhanced by Territorians knowing the signs of stroke. The sooner people get to hospital, the sooner they will receive specialist treatment and the better the chances of living well after stroke. This all starts with awareness and knowing the F.A.S.T. message which is why education programs are so important," Dr Murphy said.
