by Lauren Wall
A YOUNG Stranorlar teacher who suffered a life-changing brain aneurysm earlier this year has spoken about her journey to recovery.
Elaine McGovern (39) was left paralysed in her left leg from the knee down following the sudden subarachnoid hemorrhage at her home in May.
The mother-of-one was rushed to Beaumont Hospital in Dublin, where she had a shunt placed in her brain to relieve fluid. She remained in Beaumont Hospital until June 20, before spending some time in Letterkenny University Hospital. The Roscommon native then underwent rehabilitation therapy in St Conal’s Hospital.
Speaking to the Donegal News, Elaine reflected on the day her life suddenly changed.
“I was up early, my husband was away for work. I got my daughter up and took her to her granny’s before I left for work. The day was a normal Thursday with no sign of what was about to happen. I remember it was a warm day and when I got home, I took a can of coke from the fridge to drink. It was then I got a shooting pain, a thunderclap headache they call it. I have no memory of anything else.
“Sixty per cent of the world’s population have aneurysms. They are very common, but mine was rare in the fact that it burst,” she said.
Elaine said that she still grieves for the way she was before she had the aneurysm.
“I’m angry that it happened but equally happy and proud that I survived it.”
“Emotionally, it has been hard. I have been grieving my old way of doing things as well as the time I have missed.”
The road to recovery has been a long one for Elaine, who had to work on her balance, walking, voice and cognition. But, seven months later she said she is noticing changes, and has a greatly improved balance.
Elaine had been a patient of the National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH) since early October, but underwent her final procedure on her voice on December 20. She is now back home, and is looking ahead to the future.
“I’m doing well. My confidence is slowly coming back. Something as small as walking straight a short distance is a big win for me. It will take time, but I’m confident I will get there.
“I’m looking forward to getting back to work, driving and spending more time with my family. I worked hard for seven years subbing before landing my full-time permanent contract in 2017.”
“I have learned that your health really is your wealth. I think it’s important that we take it easy. Work can wait, especially if you feel unwell. I feel it’s important to focus on the here and now because time moves on. I think it’s important to be grateful that I’m here and take it one day at a time, be grateful for yesterday and hope for a new tomorrow.”
