Hollie Myers’ world suddenly went silent and still.
The 32-year-old Charlottetown woman had a stroke on Oct. 13.
She had several incidents leading up to that significant blow, starting with attacks or seizures. She is not sure what went on, exactly.
Blood tests were done and she underwent scans. No problems were detected. Doctors didn’t have any explanation for her.
“I myself didn’t know what to make of it,’’ Shirley Myers said of her daughter’s disturbing health run.
Hollie believes she had a mini stroke on Oct. 6. Tests were run. Again, nothing was found.
Then came the knockout punch exactly one week later. A serious stroke dumped her in a heap on the sidewalk outside her apartment. She fell three times trying to get to her feet.
Hollie was taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital by ambulance. She was later transferred to Halifax where she spent one week in hospital, the right side of her body paralyzed.
She could not move her right leg or her right arm. She could not see from her right eye. She was not able to speak a word for a full week.
Hollie received ongoing physiotherapy and speech therapy following her stroke. Movement has been returning gradually: that promising trend started with the wiggling of her toes.
She was released Thursday after spending the past three weeks at the QEH.
She still has plenty of room to recover. Movement in her right arm is restricted. Opening her fingers is nearly impossible at the moment.
Speech is a real chore. She can speak, but the words come slowly, each with considerable effort, most are difficult to understand.
Yet the single mother is determined to rebound fully, to once again be in a position to care for her two young boys, Hayden, 7, and Lynden, 5.
“I...will...be...normal,’’ she says, carefully forcing out each word with frustration clearly etched on her face.
Kevin says doctors are very optimistic about future and even full recovery because of just how fast his daughter started recovering after the stroke struck.
Shirley, who has been looking after the boys, says her daughter would “like to get back into her own life’’ and away from this current one of suspended ability.
Myers also could use help to cover costs associated with her setback.
To that end, a benefit concert is being held Sunday, Dec. 2 at 7 p.m. at Morell High School. Sponsored by the Morell Lions, the evening will include a silent auction, 50/50 draw, and plenty of local talent.
