August 2012
Within two weeks, I was back on Level 10 at St Vincent’s. Sadly, the bleed had grown larger. I could still walk, but my balance was worse, and the numbness on my left side had intensified. I also developed double vision, which I managed by wearing an eye patch.
The most frightening symptom, though, was losing the ability to swallow. Looking back at this photo now, I can still remember how terrifying that felt—it makes me feel sick even today. I will never again take something as simple as swallowing for granted.
I had to have a nasogastric tube inserted through my nose and down into my throat. That in itself was an intense experience, but in hindsight, it was nothing compared to what was still to come.
