Living with the Aftermath: Woman Navigates Life with Non-Congenital Brain Injury After Stroke
A woman is sharing her experience living with non-congenital brain injury following a stroke, highlighting the significant challenges that can persist long after the initial medical crisis. The experience underscores the importance of ongoing rehabilitation and support for individuals affected by brain injuries and their families.
The woman, 51 years old, experienced a stroke that resulted in lasting neurological effects. According to reports, even simple daily tasks can be profoundly exhausting. “Ten minutes in the shop and I was wiped out for the rest of the day,” she stated, illustrating the debilitating fatigue that often accompanies brain injury.
The stroke led to non-congenital brain injury, impacting her cognitive abilities. She experiences difficulties with short-term memory and significant aphasia, limiting her ability to communicate effectively. Her active vocabulary is now limited to just a few words, including “yes,” “no,” and “ouch.” She also experiences epileptic seizures as a result of the medical interventions required during her initial treatment.
The journey to recovery has been long and arduous. She now lives independently in supported housing at InteraktContour in Amersfoort, within a community designed for individuals with non-congenital brain injury, beginning in January 2024. Prior to this, she underwent extensive rehabilitation at centers like the Daan Theeuwes Centrum in Woerden, progressing from a wheelchair to a walker and eventually regaining the ability to walk independently. In the summer of 2023, she was even able to cycle short distances.
Despite the impressive physical progress, cognitive recovery has been significantly slower. Those around her often struggle to understand her, relying on her limited vocabulary to piece together her thoughts. This communication barrier adds complexity to everyday life, even though the challenges aren’t always immediately apparent.
Her partner, Stefan Vreugdenhil, has been a constant source of support throughout her recovery, initially providing extensive care during the rehabilitation process and continuing to visit her multiple times a week. He also runs his own bicycle shop.
The initial incident occurred in December 2021, and doctors at the time indicated the chances of survival were low. A brain hemorrhage with dangerously high pressure within her skull necessitated a life-saving operation that involved removing a portion of her skull. She was initially transported to a hospital in Alicante via helicopter and then transferred to the Netherlands after three weeks.
The case highlights the long-term impact of stroke and the importance of comprehensive, ongoing care for individuals with brain injuries. The focus on therapies aimed at improving daily functioning, alongside physical rehabilitation, demonstrates a holistic approach to recovery.
