Lucia's Story
Im Lucia, and I had stroke at 21. It all started with a tingling sensation. At first, I didn’t think much of it, but as it persisted, I decided to go to the hospital to get it checked. What followed was something I never expected—a life-changing event that would test my strength, patience, and determination in ways I could have never imagined.
I live in the south of Spain, and when I first went to the hospital, I was met with skepticism. The doctors dismissed my symptoms, attributing them to anxiety. But deep down, I knew something was wrong. It wasn’t until the next day that they finally discovered the truth: my AVM (arteriovenous malformation) had ruptured.
An AVM is a tangle of abnormal blood vessels connecting arteries and veins in the brain. When it ruptures, it can cause a stroke, which is exactly what happened to me. I was admitted to the hospital and kept under observation for five days. But then, just when I thought the worst was over, my AVM ruptured again. This time, it left me unable to speak and without control over the right side of my body.
I spent a month in the hospital, facing the terrifying reality of my new condition. Simple tasks I once took for granted—talking, moving, even expressing myself—were suddenly impossible. But I wasn’t ready to give up.
After my hospital stay, I moved to a rehabilitation center where I underwent intensive therapy—occupational therapy, speech therapy, and physical therapy. Every day was a battle, but with time and effort, I started making progress. I had to relearn how to use my body, how to communicate, and how to navigate life with these new challenges.
When my official therapy ended, I didn’t stop. I continued training privately, determined to regain as much independence as possible.
Today, I am living on my own, studying for a master’s degree in Madrid. The journey hasn’t been easy, but I feel incredibly grateful to be here—to be alive, to be learning, to be moving forward.
Surviving an AVM stroke changed me, but it didn’t define me. I’ve learned the power of resilience, the importance of listening to my body, and the value of never giving up—even when the odds seem impossible.
If there’s one message I want to share, it’s this: life is unpredictable, and challenges will come, but with determination, support, and faith in yourself, you can keep moving forward. I am living proof that recovery is possible. And for that, I feel nothing but excitement and gratitude.
