4A fit and healthy Sunshine Coast 30-year-old who had a stroke while planning her dream wedding is warning others to know the danger signs.
Sarah Meagher was sitting at a cafe with her fiance Shannon Goodsell in January, just months away from her wedding, when she began slurring her speech and was unable to lift one arm.
“Shan immediately recognised I was having a stroke,” she said.
“He acted quickly and got me in the car and began driving to the hospital, which was less than five minutes away.
“During the short drive he was on speakerphone with his mum, who is a nurse. She confirmed his fears that I was showing some of the FAST signs of stroke.”
At the hospital, Sarah underwent a series of tests and was sent home.
A week later an MRI revealed she’d experienced a stroke, caused by a small hole in her heart.
“When I was told I’d had a stroke, it took my breath away,” said Sarah, who is a teacher and lives at Sunshine Cove.
“I thought they were something that only happened to the elderly, it was such a huge shock.
“I struggled for a few months afterwards. I was constantly on edge that I would have another stroke – it was a really anxious time.”
Sarah began the long and arduous road to recovery but her wedding date was fast approaching.
“I lost all interest in trying on dresses and organising the wedding, so Shan took over all the responsibilities,” she said.
“Having been together for 12 years, he knew my style, he also took over all communication with our vendors.
“I really didn’t care what the wedding looked like, for me the most important part was marrying my best friend.”
Happily, they tied the knot in May.
“The day was everything I could have hoped for,” Sarah said.
“I did feel very fatigued – not many people could say they were counting down until the end of the wedding, but I was.
“I am just so grateful to my husband Shan and to my friends and family for helping me pull it all together.”
This National Stroke Week, which runs from August 5-11, Sarah is encouraging people to know the FAST message, to ensure they can save the life of a loved one if they have a stroke.
FAST stands for:
- 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.
Stroke Foundation chief executive officer Dr Lisa Murphy said Sarah’s experience was a reminder strokes can affect anyone.
“Sarah’s story is proof that stroke can happen to anyone, at any time. Sadly, more and more young people are having strokes,” Dr Murphy said.
“Shan did the right thing in getting Sarah urgent medical treatment. We know that the faster a stroke patient gets to hospital, the better their chance of survival and successful rehabilitation.
“You can help saving a life by learning the FAST signs of stroke.”
More information about stroke prevention and awareness can be found here.
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