Sunshine Coast Farmer Transformed by Stroke

Stroke Foundation

Suzanne Ramsden was used to early mornings, long days, and hard work on her Cooroy farm in the Noosa Hinterland. At 55, she prided herself on her resilience, juggling multiple jobs, postgraduate studies, community volunteer work, and a full farm load. But in May 2024, Suzanne's life was turned upside down when she experienced a stroke that came without warning.

"I was sitting at the table and watched my arm drop a spoon, it just wouldn't move," Suzanne said. "My husband looked at me, and I tried to speak, but it came out slurred. Within seconds, I couldn't move my leg, couldn't swallow, couldn't talk properly. It was very unsettling."

Suzanne had noticed some signs in the lead-up to her stroke, especially unexplained falls, fatigue, headaches, and brain fog. But she brushed them off, attributing them to age, hormones, and stress.

"In the whirlwind of farm life, I kept promising myself I'd go to the doctor soon. I ignored the whispers until they were shouts," she said.

Suzanne's husband recognised the signs and drove her to emergency immediately, a move that likely saved her life. Her recovery since has been remarkable, though not

without challenges. With sheer grit, determination and a healthy dose of humour, Suzanne tackled therapy head on.

"Fatigue is now my biggest hurdle, and I still need to focus on every step I take, but I'm moving forward. Slowly, but forward," she said.

Suzanne now wants others to pay attention to their bodies and get their blood pressure checked, especially those who see themselves as "too young, too fit, or too

busy".

"I've never smoked, wasn't overweight, didn't have high cholesterol, yet I still had a haemorrhagic stroke. Stress and high blood pressure were enough to tip me over."

Suzanne and one of her many pet dogs.

Stroke Foundation CEO Dr Lisa Murphy says Suzanne's experience is a wake-up call.

"Every year, more than 45,000 Australians will have a stroke, that's one every 11 minutes. Uncontrolled high blood pressure significantly increases the risk of stroke for anyone," Dr Murphy said. "Stroke doesn't just affect older people. Suzanne's story highlights the importance of knowing the signs, acting FAST and getting regular health checks. Early action saves lives and gives people the best chance of recovery."

Suzanne hopes her experience can be a lifeline for others.

"If sharing my story helps just one person act faster or take their health seriously," she said, "then this journey was worth every step."

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