A former AFL player has opened up about his stroke in an effort to make more Tasmanians aware of the signs.
Ian Callinan was a fit and healthy 37-year-old, who was still playing footy locally at the time of his stroke.
In September 2020, Ian experienced some of the telltale F.A.S.T. signs of stroke, including slurred speech. He was rushed to hospital where an MRI revealed he'd had a stroke while he was asleep.
"All I wanted to do was sleep. I had lost the use of the right side of my body and had to take things slowly. I had to re-learn how to walk and use my arm," Ian said.
"Within a week of my stroke I was back at home, but I needed help with almost everything. I spent the next three or four months sleeping, with my rehab continuing weekly for 21 months after my stroke."
Further tests revealed Ian was born with a small hole in his heart which caused the stroke. He has since undergone a procedure to have this repaired.
Ian has since made a full recovery but still struggles with fatigue. He says many of the effects of his stroke cannot be seen by other people.
"Within a year my speech had returned to normal, but even nearly four years on I still feel the impacts," he said.
"I hope that by sharing my story I am able to raise awareness of stroke and can show others who are on their own post-stroke journey that things do get better."
Ian is sharing his story to mark National Stroke Week which runs from August 5 to 11 and encourages people to learn the F.A.S.T. (Face, Arms, Speech and Time) message to ensure they can save the life of a loved one if they have a stroke.
Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Dr Lisa Murphy said Ian's story highlights that stroke can happen to anyone, of any age, at any time.
"Unfortunately, stroke does not discriminate. Ian was young, fit and healthy. In fact, around 29 strokes a day are experienced by working aged Australians, aged between 18 and 64," Dr Murphy said.
"We know that the faster a stroke patient gets to hospital and receives medical treatment, the better their chance of survival and successful rehabilitation. You can help saving a life by learning the F.A.S.T. signs of stroke."
Think F.A.S.T and ask these questions: Face - Check their face. Has their mouth drooped?
Arms - Can they lift both arms?
Speech - Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you?
Time - Time is critical. If you see any of these signs, call 000 straight away.
