Marnix's Story
I’m Marnix van Manen, I am 26 and I live in the Netherlands. In 2021, when I was 23 I had a sinus thrombosis and a brain hemorrhage on the same day, with the bleeding covering about 8 cm of my brain. To relieve the pressure, a large part of my skull had to be removed, and I had to live without it for half a year while going through rehabilitation. In 2022, I underwent a skull reconstruction (cranioplasty) using Palacos (PEEK).
By the time my skull was repaired and I was ready for more intensive rehab, rehabilitation centers believed there was no more progress to be made. They simply told me there’s no place for someone like me since i only needed physical therapy. I refused to accept those limitations, The human body is capable of incredible recovery—as long as you set your mind to it.
I was told I would never walk normally again and wouldn’t be able to move my arm at all. Yet, through making my own rehabilitation plan, searching for all kinds of training methods and new techniques on the internet to add to my rehab plan, and with the support of amazing people around me, I regained function in my arm and leg (still working on my hand every day). I drive again, I travel again, and I’ve learned to listen to my body more than ever.
Even years after the stroke, I continue to work on my recovery. There is always progress to be made, the brain makes new pathways every day.
This is why I find this community so important—because finding the right information was quite difficult for me at first. By sharing our experiences, new techniques, and insights, we can help each other make more progress, especially when the people tell you it’s no longer possible. Together, we can reach new heights!
Follow Marnix’s recovery on instagram @musicbymarra
