Over the course of the next six months, the road to recovery proved to be long and arduous. Rodney dedicated himself to regaining control of his body and rediscovering his physical capabilities. The stroke had left him with minimal movement and only slight sensation in his left leg.
Despite having to deal with high blood pressure for some time in the past, Rodney had always maintained an active and healthy lifestyle. As the primary sheep shearer on his expansive farm, even in his late fifties, he refused to let age hinder his vigour. Growing up on his father's farm, a sprawling expanse spanning thousands of acres and housing over fifty thousand sheep and several thousand cows, Rodney's connection to the land ran deep. However, with this stroke, it brought internal bleeding in his brain, and forever altered the course of his life.
Reflecting on his time in the hospital, Rodney shared, "Those initial days were challenging and often frustrating. Time seemed to crawl by and the monotony of lying in bed wore me down. Sometimes, it was difficult to distinguish between dreams and reality. However, I reminded myself that worrying over things beyond my control would only lead to mental distress. I developed a habit of training my mind to accept reality and make the most of my situation.”
While gently holding his wife's hand, Rodney continued, “With the unwavering support of my family, I found solace and regained a sense of well-being. I refused to let this unfortunate incident define my future." Following his hospital discharge, Rodney decided to embrace a new look. With his frosty coloured hair contrasted against the vibrant yellow hue, he sported a mullet that cascaded down his neck. Despite the compromised condition of his leg, he worked tirelessly with his physiotherapist, and pushed his muscular function and movement to their limits.
"I have this amazing wheelchair that has provided me with unexpected independence and freedom. It's a remarkable piece of machinery that takes me wherever I need to go. While it has its limitations, such as not being able to rise vertically, I'm eagerly awaiting the arrival of my customised CentroGlide Vertical Lift (VL). Tailored to my exact measurements, it will truly enhance my mobility. I'm thrilled to have not just one, but two incredible wheelchairs soon," Rodney exclaimed.
As part of his transition into life after the stroke, Rodney has been using Glide’s ElectraGlide wheelchair, a lightweight rear-wheel-drive powered chair that he received through Fiona Stanley Hospital. Constructed using lightweight aluminium, it ensured easy transport and storage.
The CentroGlide VL that Rodney is waiting for, is a mid-wheel drive power chair with a small turn radius that can also rise to 30 mm, offering exceptional versatility. It can be tailored precisely to meet individual functionality and lifestyle needs, seamlessly aligning with Rodney's diverse pursuits—whether on his farm or in the city.
"While we temporarily relocated to Perth following my incident, I long to return to the countryside lifestyle soon. I believe my new wheelchair will grant me the flexibility I crave. The city feels constricting and limited, even with its abundance,” he smiles.
