Care Opinion

Text size

Theme

Language

Videos in BSL or ISL
Help with language translation
Help with reading or listening

My stroke journey and rehabilitation

Posted By novemberrh35

"My stroke journey and rehabilitation"

About: Acquired brain injury (under 65) / Fife Rehabilitation Service

(as a service user),

My mobility deteriorated over a course of a year, getting worse in the last months. Doctors thought it was  fibromyalgia because of my symptoms.

At the beginning of January my son was not happy with my presentation and called an ambulance. I was taken into the Victoria hospital where they did many tests and scans. They discovered I had had a stroke, bleed on the brain, kidneys and lungs. This was very frightening, more so because my children were told I would not make it.

I was in the Victoria for around 7 or 8 weeks as the doctors were unsure what had caused the bleeds. I was transferred to the Sir George sharp unit for rehabilitation.

When I first arrived on the ward I was unable to sit upright in my wheelchair, stand or dress. I needed assistance with all daily activities. The team in ward as well as the Physiotherapist and Occupational Therapist have gave me some independence by improving my mobility. Despite needing some assistance I can now go home and have my life back.

There was not a task too big for the team, they always helped when they could but still encouraged my independence. I would encourage anyone in a similar situation to ask to come to this ward because of the excellent rehabilitation.

More about:
Do you have a similar story to tell? Tell your story & make a difference ››

Responses

Response from Clare McDonald, Occupational Therapy Manager, Fife Neuro Rehabilitation Service, NHS Fife 3 weeks ago
Clare McDonald
Occupational Therapy Manager, Fife Neuro Rehabilitation Service,
NHS Fife

Submitted on 21/05/2025 at 16:03
Published on Care Opinion on 22/05/2025 at 08:14

picture of Clare McDonald

Dear novemberrh35

Thank you for taking the time to post such positive feedback about your time on Sir George Sharp Unit. It is great to hear that the team helped you regain some mobility and you are now able to return home. It sounds as if you have worked hard to achieve your goals and that the team supporting and encouraging your independence helped with your progress. I wish you well with your ongoing rehabilitation as you return home and will ensure that the team receive your feedback.

Thanks again

Clare

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful
Response from Carolyn Agnew, Lead Physiotherapist, Fife Rehabilitation Service, NHS Fife 3 weeks ago
Carolyn Agnew
Lead Physiotherapist, Fife Rehabilitation Service,
NHS Fife

Submitted on 22/05/2025 at 17:48
Published on Care Opinion on 23/05/2025 at 07:35

picture of Carolyn Agnew

From the physiotherapy team - thank you! We really appreciate you taking the time to write your opinion when no doubt you are busy adjusting to being back home again.

You and your family have been through a tough time and we don't take lightly the responsibility as a rehab team to try to get things right for you. We don't always get it perfect and we really value your feedback.

It's encouraging to hear you had a good experience. Rehab is always a shared effort and you will have been a big part of that effort to have made the improvements you have made.

Wishing you all the best as you continue your journey adjusting to life back at home and the next stages.

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful
Response from Donna Murray, Senior Charge Nurse, Sir George Sharp Unit, NHS Fife 3 weeks ago
Donna Murray
Senior Charge Nurse, Sir George Sharp Unit,
NHS Fife

Submitted on 27/05/2025 at 20:31
Published on Care Opinion at 20:31

picture of Donna Murray

Thank you so much for sharing your journey. It’s incredibly moving to hear about everything you’ve been through—from the uncertainty and fear of your initial diagnosis to the strength and resilience you’ve shown throughout your recovery.

It must have been terrifying for both you and your family to face such a serious and unexpected turn in your health.

Your progress is truly inspiring. Going from being unable to sit up or dress yourself to regaining enough independence to return home is a remarkable achievement. It speaks volumes about your determination and the dedication of our team here at the Sir George Sharp Unit.

Thank you for highlighting the importance of specialised rehabilitation. Your story will no doubt offer hope and encouragement to others facing similar challenges.

On behalf of all the nursing staff, we wish you continued strength and good health as you move forward with your life.

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful
Opinions
Next Response j
Previous Response k