Her Unhealthy Lifestyle Leads To Stroke In Her 20s. She Shares Her Story For Our Benefit.

Can you imagine what a girl has to go through when life throws her hard card- Stroke and face paralysis. Yvonne Wen was just in her twenties when she was diagnosed with stroke. 

Photo from Yvonne Wen

It all began when Yvonne fell sick and felt some form of numbness in her body. She developed a persistent fever and she conveniently self-medicate. Her fever subsided but her face began to swell. She was scared. Assuming it was just a fever thing, she took some pills to reduce the swell and eventually, the swell did go away. But, from that day something terrible happened...

Yvonne could no longer smile or make any other facial expression. She couldn't move the muscles at the side of her lips. Her face feels 'hardened'.

Immediately, she went to consult 3 doctors and they all confirmed the same harsh truth, Yvonne had a mild stroke.

A doctor's honest feedback radically changed her life.

“Just because you’re young doesn’t mean you can neglect your health. There will be a price to pay.

“Your stroke could be caused by your nightlife, insufficient sleep, stress, diet and the lack of exercise.”

Photo from momspresso

As a lifestyle habit, Yvonne would often go for midnight movies, late-night drinking sessions. On top of that, her diet consists of oily food and frequent supper nights. She does not exercise. She was living in England and upon her return to Malaysia, she was diagnosed with stroke one year later.

“When I came back to Malaysia, I continued living the similar lifestyle but happy moments always end very fast. Within a year, I was diagnosed with a stroke and had to ‘return’ my health to God,” Yvonne said

The stroke took away her freedom. She had speech difficulties. Everything she eats would leak from the corner of her mouth. One of her eyes is always half-closed. These all completely shattered her heart.

She had ignored all the early symptoms as she didn't think someone in their 20s will have to deal with stroke or any severe illnesses.

She wrote this on her Facebook post, (translated from Mandarin)

"I wrote this article in the hope that everyone takes care of their health. Don't stay up too late, have sufficient sleep, watch your diet and eat healthily. Do not overdrink iced water and exercise regularly. When you're stressed, find a way to chill out and relax. Most importantly, do not self-medicate. Please do not follow my footstep and consult a doctor when you're sick. I wish everyone good health and happiness.

We are so inspired and thankful that Yvonne shared her story. So next time when someone tells you to "sleep early," "don't eat too much oily food," "stop drinking!"

You better listen.

Text By: Girlstyle Singapore