"If I can keep going, so can you" Irene's Encounter With Stroke

In September 2022, my life changed in an instant. It began like any other day. I was working from home, had three meetings scheduled before lunch, and had plans to donate blood with friends later in the day. Just the night before, I’d walked from Ubi to Toa Payoh with colleagues to get some exercise. I felt strong. I felt healthy. 

For over a decade, I had gone for yearly health check-ups. My health had always been excellent. As the sole breadwinner, I had to stay well—I still do. I support my parents, my daughter, and my sister. 

After my first meeting that morning, I had breakfast with my parents. As I was getting ready for the next meeting, I suddenly let out a loud scream. Maybe I wanted my parents to hear me. Then I collapsed. The next thing I remember was waking up three days later in Tan Tock Seng Hospital. I had suffered a hemorrhagic stroke. No warning. No symptoms. Just like that. 

During my hospital stay, I never cried. All I could think about was how to take care of my family. I asked friends for help so I could focus on recovery. I spent 43 days in the hospital, including three weeks of early discharge due to COVID. It was a shock—but I was never alone. My family, friends, therapists, acupuncturists, volunteers, and the communities at the Stroke Association, S3, ABLE, and Aphasia SG stood by me every step of the way. 

Recovery has been a long journey. I thought I would be fully recovered in two years, but healing takes time and patience. Today, I’m about 25% better. I fill my days with therapy, adaptive sports, and laughter. 

To my fellow stroke survivors, my message is simple: don’t give up. Life after stroke is different—but it can still be beautiful. If I can keep going, so can you.