Marjory Hale – A Brain Aneurysm Survivor’s Story
- HBA Support
- Aug 6, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 19
In early 2017, Marjory Hale, a registered nurse, began experiencing persistent headaches—sharp, one-sided pain behind her eye that wouldn’t go away. Having suffered from migraines in her teens, she knew this was different. More concerningly, the symptoms reminded her of what her brother had described before his brain aneurysm ruptured years earlier, in the UK —a condition he hadn’t known he had.
Despite repeated visits to a new GP, her concerns were dismissed as stress. Meanwhile, her vision was deteriorating for no clear reason. Then, one day at the gym, she was struck by a sudden, blinding headache. Paramedics immediately suspected a brain bleed, and at the hospital, a scan confirmed the worst: a ruptured aneurysm.
Treating the ruptured brain aneurysm
Marjory, a Brit living abroad in Australia, was then airlifted to Sydney, where she underwent emergency surgery, followed by a craniotomy days later to relieve pressure on her brain. She was placed in a coma, ventilated, and kept sedated for weeks. Her family, five hours from home, had no idea if she would recover. During this time, the uncertainty weighed heavily on her loved ones, who could do nothing but wait and hope.
When she was transferred to rehab, the experience was frustrating. The medical staff underestimated her abilities and made decisions about her recovery without consulting her. She found herself treated as if she were incapable of making choices, even about something as simple as what she wanted to drink. A student nurse was even told she was "brain damaged" and wouldn’t remember him—something that was not only incorrect but deeply upsetting.
Determined to regain independence, Marjory’s family discharged her early and she returned to her home in Australia.
The transition home was exhausting, but she slowly rebuilt confidence. Everyday tasks became milestones—sending an email, preparing meals, managing her home again
A short stay in an independent living program helped restore her sense of normality, something the rehab unit had failed to provide. The encouragement and structured independence she found there played a key role in rebuilding her self-belief.
Finding HBA Support became another turning point.
“I understood the medical side of aneurysms, but until you go through it, you don’t realise how much it impacts your life,” she says. “The group provided a space where others truly understood the challenges she faced. “It made a huge difference knowing I wasn’t alone. The support, shared experiences, and advice helped me navigate the long road to recovery.”
Today, she reflects on how far she has come. “I may have changed a bit, but I’m a survivor—and I have a really cool scar.” Four months after her rupture, she made it to her son’s wedding. “Flat shoes, not much wine, but I was there—that’s what matters.”
Looking back, she acknowledges the challenges but also the unexpected moments of kindness and strength. “Some of my so-called friends disappeared, but I’ve found real ones now. I may not work anymore, but I’ve gained a new perspective on life.”
She also credits the small victories for keeping her going. “At first, I couldn’t even send an email. My grandson—who was in primary school—wrote me simple instructions, and I worked my way back from there.”
Marjory's message to others? “We are survivors. Keep going. Even when it’s hard, even when people underestimate you—just keep going.”
Resources and support
If you have any health concerns related to the topics in this article, please speak to your GP or a clinical professional.
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