Personal Trainer Faces Life-Altering Surgery After Vision Loss

Alicia Beveridge, a 41-year-old personal trainer and instructor at Barry’s Bootcamp, experienced a sudden and life-changing medical crisis that culminated in emergency brain surgery. In September, she began suffering from severe headaches and blurred vision, which ultimately revealed a large cavernoma—a cluster of abnormal blood vessels pressing on her brain.

Beveridge, known for her vibrant energy and dedication to fitness, had been thriving in her career, especially since Barry’s Bootcamp launched in Australia in 2018. She described herself as being at her peak, stating, “I was coming up to a year sober, loving my job, and the strongest and fittest I’d ever been.” Despite her outward vitality, she acknowledged feelings of emotional exhaustion and loneliness, which she often concealed while uplifting her clients.

Initially, her symptoms seemed benign, presenting as occasional headaches that she attributed to stress or fatigue. However, the situation escalated quickly, forcing her to stop a fitness class mid-session due to debilitating pain.

After a visit to an eye hospital, where she received minimal treatment, Beveridge consulted a client who is a neurosurgeon at North Shore Hospital. The urgency of her condition became apparent when she experienced severe vision impairment. “A headache came on so strong I couldn’t see properly,” she recalled. Following her referral, she was quickly admitted to the hospital, where doctors revealed the severity of her condition.

A CT scan revealed a cavernoma larger than a 50-cent piece that had begun to bleed, creating pressure on her right eye. This rare condition affects approximately 1 in 600 people, but in Beveridge’s case, it was particularly unusual as only about 1 in 400,000 experience complications.

On September 25, just two days after her diagnosis, Beveridge underwent a grueling seven-hour emergency surgery to remove the cavernoma and prevent further bleeding. She described waking up from anesthesia to a drastically altered reality, unable to move or communicate effectively.

For the next 18 days, Beveridge remained in the hospital, reliant on others for even the simplest tasks. She expressed the difficulty of adjusting to this new dependence, saying, “Your brain just shuts down to heal, so for someone who’s been fiercely independent since childhood, it was so hard.” During her recovery, she was supported by friends and family, creating an atmosphere of love that surrounded her during this challenging time.

The road to recovery has been ongoing and complex. Beveridge is currently engaged in outpatient rehabilitation, which includes speech therapy, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy. While her right eye and speech capabilities are improving, doctors have cautioned that recovery timelines can vary greatly from person to person.

Living in her apartment in eastern Sydney, Beveridge is adjusting to daily life with support from her mother and a close friend. Her beloved golden retriever, Floyd, remains at a distance until he can return home safely. “The neurosurgeons said I can’t have him yet because if he pulls me, it could make my brain bounce around,” she explained, highlighting the unusual challenges posed by her recovery.

As she navigates this new chapter, Beveridge reflects on her experiences and the lessons they have taught her. “I used to be so hard on myself,” she said. “But having everything taken away and then given back, it’s like the universe hit reset.”

While the future remains uncertain regarding her return to the fitness world, Beveridge expresses profound gratitude for her community’s support. “Barry’s has been such a huge part of my life and identity. I don’t know what the future looks like yet, but I’m just thankful to still have one.”

Beveridge’s story serves as a powerful reminder of resilience and the importance of community during life’s unexpected challenges.