Amy Casarella: One Day At A Time
Can you share about the brain injury event itself?
On January 8th 2020, I was hanging out partying with a friend, got a sharp pain in my head and dropped. When I told him I had a headache, my speech was slurred. I remember him saying he was calling 911 and gonna send me to Brandywine Hospital, but I woke up in Jefferson Hospital with a drain in my head and tubes in my nose (food and medicine). I had a hemorrhagic stroke (40% more fatal than ischemic strokes, which are the most common type.) The immediate impact was paralysis of my left side. At 38 years old, I had to learn to walk again. I could barely sit up. I sincerely believe the cause was pretty much my life prior. I raised 3 children myself, had abusive relationships, drinking, smoking, some recreational drug use. I worked 2 jobs a lot so I was stressed. I never saw a doctor for 20 years because I didn’t believe I had time to, I wasn’t worried about myself. I now go regularly.
How did you feel during the first days, weeks, or months after the injury?
I felt lost, angry, confused, embarrassed. I felt like a burden.
What kind of rehabilitation therapies or treatment have been most helpful through the process of recovery?
Physical, occupational and speech therapy, adaptive cycling and joining a gym that helps people with physical limitations have been very helpful throughout this process
What have been some of the biggest challenges you or your loved one has faced during recovery?
I lost my drivers license so that’s been a challenge. Fighting with insurance companies to help me get community transportation has also been a problem, but it’s finally been straightened out for the past 3 years. I still do have to call weekly and verify everything is accurate, which with a brain injury is not exactly easy to always remember to call.
If there have been setbacks or repeated injuries, describe that journey.
I’ve been lucky enough to not really have any setbacks or recurring injuries.
How has your life changed since the brain injury?
Truthfully, I think my life changed for the better in certain ways. I am now 6 1/2 years sober. My injury taught me everything we take for granted and it also taught me how true one day at a time is. Most of my limitations are physical and that’s not easy. I can’t use two hands to do anything at least not yet. I only work part time now and volunteer the rest of the time.
What role has support from family, friends, or community played in your journey?
My sister came to visit me every day after work in the rehab hospital, where I spent about two months. And my parents would bring my children on the weekends and truthfully, I’m not sure if I would’ve made it through without that support. Plus the rehab hospital I was at was very supportive and encouraging. I’ve also been in support groups with other survivors, and truthfully, I would be lost without those groups. They mean more to me than words can ever say.
What has surprised you about this journey with brain injury?
I was surprised that I could retrain my brain. I remember when they told me that I had to do that it blew my mind. It was hard to wrap my head around.
Have there been any moments of breakthrough or unexpected positives along the way?
My injury brought me to faith, and I’m beyond grateful for that and it also brought me to sobriety, which I’m also grateful for. I have a more positive outlook on life after my injury. Which to me seems odd, but is my reality.
What do you know now that you wish you knew at the beginning of this journey?
I know that God has my back. I didn’t know in the beginning, but I started feeling it along the way.
What does "hope" mean to you?
Hope is wishing for something positive to happen, but in my opinion, you have to put forth an effort to make it happen.
If you could share one encouraging message with someone living with brain injury or their loved one, what would it be?
Work hard, don’t give up, you have to want to get better.
