"My Stroke"

When I had my stroke I have little memory of what happened. The ambulance staff came to pick me up and I remember very little, apart from the professional way they spoke. My first memory was a day later, when I found out that my left side had been affected and I was told that I would have to learn to use my left hand, arm and leg again .

I was initially helped by the staff of ward 11, to whom I am extremely grateful. Nothing was too much trouble for them and at first, whilst I tried to process how much life had changed over the space of a few minutes, I would describe myself as quite a demanding patient (not intentionally). Whilst our NHS are evidently understaffed, in my experience, the staff that they do have are nothing short of extraordinary.

I was then invited to go to the HUB which has various fitness machines and brain engaging games. Initially I was reluctant, due to anxiety, however the staff gently persuaded me to have a go and I’ll be forever grateful that they did.

There, whilst under the care, encouragement and instruction of the physio therapists and occupational therapists, whose attention to detail is really fantastic, I started to make progress. My mental health was also taken into consideration as understandably people in my position or similar positions may be struggling. However, their priority was making sure that I was in the best position to move forward.

The rehabilitation equipment there gave me the best opportunity to start my recovery journey and I genuinely felt that the staff wanted success for me, equally as much as I did. Whilst I appreciate public sector finances are tight, I would urge the NHS to consider further investment and development in this area, both in terms of equipment and staffing levels. I am now walking proof of just how crucial this aspect of recovery is for people who have had a stroke. Without this, walking may have been something that, for me, was never possible again.

The ultimate goal, whilst in hospital, was to reach a point where I could go back home and continue my rehabilitation. I undertook individual sessions where we worked on my balance/stability and also thereafter being able to stand on my own. I also took part in group sessions, which were not only good to engage my mind, but allowed me to make friendships and share experiences with people who were in a similar position.

My sincere thanks to everyone who played a part in helping me regain my confidence and who assisted me in getting back some movement. Prior to leaving hospital the feeling and movement started to come back to my left side and I have now (8 months since my stroke) reached a point where I am now using my hand and also walking again, this is also aided with the treatment I am receiving at Coathill Hospital neurological and rehab unit. For context, last week I successfully walked 0.5 miles and I am also able to get up and down the stairs within my house. For the first two weeks in hospital I never left my hospital bed.

I will be forever grateful to all members of staff who had an input into my stay in hospital and the start of my recovery and rehabilitation. Without the hard work, dedication and passion for helping people from the whole nursing and care team of ward 11, physiotherapists and occupational therapists, I would not have been able to progress to the point that I have today. Whilst my recovery process is certainly not complete and there is more progress to be made, I am in a position whereby a good quality of life is something that I am enjoying and more progress is the goal that we (I don’t feel like I’m in this alone) are working towards. I find myself in a position to make more progress, in no small part due to the care and support I received during my stay.

If you are reading this and find yourself in a similar situation, I can only urge you to get involved in the rehabilitation process when offered and give 100% to the team, they definitely give you so much more back.

My eternal thanks, I’ll be forever grateful.

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