Client Connection - Wendy Geraets

Tell us a little about you and what brought you to Neuro Connection Foundation?
Twenty-four years ago, at the age of 27, I suffered a brain injury. It was a “life changing moment.” I was in a coma for three weeks and the medical staff had me “written off.” I felt trapped inside my body and in my mind. I couldn’t articulate speech. Only sound came out my nose and writing was very difficult.

It was at the Henderson Valley gas station, that I bumped into Christine Ozich. [Christine’s husband attends the stroke programme at NCF]. Christine asked about my condition, spoke about her husband’s positive experience at the foundation and handed me their card.

The day I turned up to Neuro Connection, I wasn’t expecting much; but for me this quickly changed. For the first time, I had been recommended a programme that would work with my condition and my needs specifically. I came in for a consult, watched a class, observed the “hands on help” and thought “I can do this!” The one-on-one care with professionals that have truly helped me, has made me a stayer. And while gains are small, the progress I make is huge for me.

Tell us how often you come to the foundation?
I attend my classes twice weekly and have just recently, changed my schedule to attend the morning classes. I am often quite tired in the afternoons, and making the move to morning classes, when my energy levels are higher, has meant I give and get a lot more out of the class program. [Still an able and confident driver, on this morning, Wendy has well and truly kept to her end of the bargain turning swiftly up on time for this interview. And while I’ve unfortunately turned up late; Wendy has once again demonstrated her dedication and commitment to supporting everyone in this team! I make a mental note with our Christmas party just around the corner…]

Who are your biggest supporters and how do they support you?
My husband Tony is my biggest supporter. He’s great. But it’s fair to say, our relationship has changed since my injury. We tend to “co-exist, rather than function as a normal relationship – if you know what I mean.” But he’s great. He’s always there if I fall, which I did just the other day. He’s my support around home when I need it, but otherwise I’m lucky enough that I am still able to drive, which gives me that level of everyday independence, that not everyone has.

Please tell me about something that you have recently overcome or feel proud of, regarding your current abilities?
The strength in my left leg has really improved of late. Initially, I couldn’t put any weight on my left leg as I would collapse. Now however, I can transfer my full weight on it. This has meant that, getting out of the car and sitting up off chairs, has all become a lot easier. My legs feel stronger, due to the leg extension exercises we perform regularly in class. I used to walk a lot before my injury too – I would often walk up to the shops and walk my dogs on the beach. In fact, being here at Neuro Connection and participating in (what I feel is also) an exercise program, has made me remember how much I love to exercise.

Please tell me about a goal you have in mind right now (ability related or not), or something you are just keenly working towards?
For me, I am continuing to work on building my physical strength. In particular, working hard towards walking normally and coordinating my gait. I used to walk toe to heel and it’s been a real achievement having that corrected over time.

Finally, what advice can you give to others considering our rehabilitation/exercise program?
“It is definitely worth the effort.” I missed a week a couple of weeks back due to a fall and I really noticed the change I felt from those missed sessions. I have days, like everyone does, where I don’t want to come. However, I know how much better I feel after, when I do…and that’s what gets me out the door! “Age and duration of your condition shouldn’t be a barrier for starting a program like this either. I also believe, there’s no such thing as a cut-off date for rehab,” [particularly for someone with my needs].