Stroke symptom awareness vital

Newcastle resident John Duenzl is living proof that quick action is crucial in the survival and recovery of stroke victims.

The 39-year-old father, who suffered a stroke 18 months ago, is well on the road to recovery. Now he is helping spread the word in the lead-up to National Stroke Week about the importance of stroke symptom awareness.

In December 2019, John and his family were holidaying in Nelson Bay and made a trip to the beach.

“I threw a tennis ball out into the water for my kids to catch, but I ended up throwing it out way too far, so I swam out into the deep water to retrieve it,” John said.

“As I spun around to return to shore, all of a sudden, I started going blind.

“All the information in my brain was jumbled, my eyes were wobbly, my balance was out, my coordination started to go, and I couldn’t swim. I couldn’t move my arms to paddle, and I was struggling to tread water.”

John was in 14-metre-deep water and a fair distance from shore. He knew he needed to call for help as quickly as he could.

“I screamed out to my wife Trudi for help, who was on the beach with our four kids. Thankfully, there were people nearby who helped out as well,” John said.

“They swam out to me and pulled me from the ocean before I drowned. Then, they laid me on the sand and called an ambulance.

“Their quick response ensured I got to the hospital quickly and received time-critical medical treatment to stop the stroke’s attack on my brain.”

John said a stroke was not something he was expecting as he was a fit guy and attended the gym regularly.

“My particular stroke was different. My artery running from my heart to my brain actually tore and collapsed, which created a blood clot,” he said.

“I didn’t have high cholesterol, and I took care of myself. I was always very active and at F45 five days a week, so I definitely wasn’t expecting it.

“It is so important to be aware of the signs.”

Between August 2 and 8, National Stroke Week is the Stroke Foundation’s annual awareness campaign to educate people on the common signs of a stroke.

Using the F.A.S.T test helps to save lives and reduces the chances of disability from a stroke attack.

• Face: Has their mouth drooped?

• Arms: Can they lift both arms?

• Speech: Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you?

• Time is critical: If you see any of these signs, call triple zero (000) straight away

NSW Stroke Foundation State Manager Rhian Paton-Kelly said John’s story demonstrated the importance of seeking medical help immediately.

“We know the faster a stroke patient gets to the hospital and receives medical treatment, the better their chance is of survival and successful rehabilitation,” Paton-Kelly said. 

“John is making great gains in his recovery, and it is wonderful to hear he has returned to the activities he loves like skateboarding and surfing.”

Paton-Kelly said National Stroke Week’s theme this year was United by Stroke and it presented an excellent opportunity to thank everyone who had a role in a stroke emergency.

“Just as John found with his experience, a united effort can make all the difference in a stroke emergency,” she said.

“That’s why more people who know the F.A.S.T message, the better.”

John said it took him a while to get back into the water again but he wouldn’t let the stroke stop him from doing what he loved.

“So, my eyesight returned, as well as my balance, I got my driver’s licence back, and I’m now really independent again. I’ve started surfing a little more now, and I also go spearfishing with my mates,” John said.

“Getting back on the skateboard was basically sitting on it and going down the driveway for hours, and now I can finally carve again!

“For some people, it may not sound like a big deal, but suffering from the stroke was very traumatic, and I’m still dealing with the emotional trauma. But to physically be able to do the things that I love again is awesome.”

Hayley McMahon