"My stroke, my recovery and my bucket list."

I'm 66 and I am lucky to be alive and I am humbled and very, very grateful at every stage of my journey. It all started just over three years ago, I am a type two, insulin-dependent, depression-suffering, anxiety-suffering survivor. Also, I have a positive attitude toward my treatment and put great merit on honesty and respect. In the Borders General, I was subjected to verbal abuse from a patient whom I had never seen before or spoken to. I asked to be moved to another room or I would have to involve the police. The nursing staff were witness to this and I was moved straight away.

I am a large bariatric man topping in at 46 stone. The poor condition of my body and the stressful life that I lead caused my stroke. I had a stressful time there, too busy, I have been to the Western General, in Edinburgh, and I did not like it there. I was moved to the Knoll in Duns, and after a time I went home, resumed my lifestyle, and mucked up again, into the Knoll again, I was stupid enough to sign myself out after two weeks, then December 2019 I was admitted into the Knoll again from the BGH, I have been here for 11 months now.

My body was shutting down, so the surgeon informed me, I was put into a bed for six long weeks, just to stabilize me and save me from myself. I felt arrogant, stupid, and ashamed, and yet as soon as I came through the doors with three plus ambulance personnel pushing and pulling me, I was treated with respect, and honesty and never had anyone judge me. I intend to get my newfound future and make amends to myself. I have more years behind me than in front of me so the bucket list has been opened.

I dream of a future where I can walk into a room and be ignored, the Knoll has supplied me with this dream. I cannot thank everyone enough. Words are not enough, my life has changed, from someone who lived on stress and chased money all the time to a more Christain minded, author, writing books to pass my time and in turn getting satisfaction from doing so and its all down to the Knoll, I feel as though I am ready to move on now although I am unable to walk at this time I know that this will correct itself in the future. So a huge thank you to the Knoll, the doctors, the domestics, and of course the amazing staff. Tears fill my eyes as I write this but they are tears of gratitude and respect.

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