Eight years on from her stroke, Launceston mother of two Kate Bucknell says she's one of the lucky ones.
In 2016, Kate presented to her local hospital with an excruciating headache but was sent home with suspected Vestibular Neuritis, an inner ear disorder.
"I had a three-year-old and a seven-year-old at home. Life was very busy. I wasn't prioritising my health, and life just gets in the way," Kate said.
"Ten days later I went back to the GP who sent me for a scan, and that picked up two blockages that had cleared, which was incredibly lucky. I knew about strokes, but I was only 36, and I didn't think they happened to young people."
After further testing, specialists discovered a clot had become lodged in a small pouch in Kate's heart which caused the stroke.
"I saw a physio to build up strength in my left hand, and I take blood thinners, but eight years later I am able to live a regular life after stroke," Kate said.
"I consider myself to be so lucky that I can continue my life as it was before, and I'm so grateful that I am still around for my family."
Kate now sees her GP regularly and lives a healthy and active lifestyle to prevent further strokes. She has also become an advocate for Stroke Foundation and is next week sharing her story with the community at the new St Luke's Wellness hub in Launceston during Stroke Week.
Kate's sharing her story to mark National Stroke Week which runs from August 5 to 11 and encourages people to know 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 Kate's story highlights that stroke can strike at any time.
"Unfortunately, stroke does not discriminate. Like many people, Kate was young 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.
