"Stroke and rehabilitation"

My stroke happened in August 2017. 

I was at work, I work on the railway.  At the time of my stroke I was placing detonator protection equipment on the railway line, this protects others working on the line and is done as a process to ensure. There is a PICOP Person in charge of possession per shift, the night I had my stroke I was the (PS) which is Possession support.  I was covering the end of possession limits, I was putting equipment at Lawfield and had single equipment to put at Wishaw.  I went to Wishaw first then Law junction doing these tasks.  This is a particularly busy junction with varied lines and points live to traffic, I was aware of this and ensured I had done my part correctly. I was working alone, at Law junction I contacted my colleague to say my part was done and it was estimated we would meet at 3:30 am, I then returned to the work van.

The next thing I remember is attempting to move inside the work van, I felt horrendous pain and was aware of the mobile phone ringing, I couldn’t get to the phone, I then realised I couldn’t shout as there was no-one about to hear me, I was alone.

I finally heard a voice saying my name. I realised it was a colleague who had come to check on me, I was not aware at the time that hours had passed. I told my colleague I thought I was having a stroke, I was able to speak to him and I remember then hearing him talking on the phone.  I was so sore and I couldn’t move.  I then remember having a conversation with him about work, I do not remember getting out of the work van or into the ambulance but I remember giving the ambulance staff my name and my information.  I was frightened and unsure of what was going on and why, I remember asking the ambulance staff ‘can you help me’?

I found out later that my stroke was linked to my having atrial fibrillation, I spend 6 days on life support within the acute critical care unit  in Wishaw General which is where I was taken by the ambulance that night. I developed infection in my lungs and I had a secondary stroke a few days after the first which was discovered through further scans in the hospital to monitor swelling in my brain.  During this time, I am very unsure what was real and what was not, my family stayed with me and were very worried, they were told I had extensive brain damage. My mind and my body were having separate ideas about what I could achieve and I remember severe and confusing hallucinations about being in America, gardening, being outside and these were so very real to me. 

I remember telling my wife of conversations I had been having which had not happened and I was sure I could access the toilet in my room but when I would try my legs failed me. I stayed in Wishaw general a total of 28 days, during this time I worked with Occupational therapists and consultants to begin my recovery, I remember feeling like an infant again, I had to learn what I regarded as basic skills and speech, I learned again how to make noises and developing words which was very strange.  Fortunately I found my voice and was able to begin working on my physical ability. I initially used a walking stick to support my mobility and was able to take weight again before too long.  I was supported both inside and outside the hospital by many staff and occupational therapists who continued to work with me for a period of time when I was transferred to Crosshouse hospital for a further 6 days. I continued my rehabilitation in Ayrshire Central for 16 days, I received great support from all involved. 

At Ayrshire Central I worked hard with Ailsa and Darryl, Occupational therapists and Elaine my physiotherapist who all provided support in preparation for me returning home.  When I returned home from hospital I was supported by having additional bannisters and a bath board installed.  It was then I was referred to Rehabilitation Support Officer Shirley within the Dirrans centre.  Shirley carried out an assessment in my home to support my getting a wet room fitted, this was to allow me to address all my personal care needs independently.  To further support my socialisation and build my confidence Shirley spoke to me about the Dirrans centre, this led to me becoming a part of the Small Steps walking group who meet every Thursday within the centre to go on local health walks, this helps me work on my mobility and posture regularly.  I began attending the Dirrans centre November 2017.

I returned to my darts team in Kilwinning before Christmas 2017 and I used this as a focus.  I enjoyed seeing my friends and getting back to socialising.  I feel there has been changes in myself since the stroke such as the way I speak to people or express myself, I have no feeling in my left hand and can struggle with certain daily living tasks. My family have been very supportive and we continued to keep active and busy during the last year. I recently joined a gym in Kilwinning through the support of the Dirrans Community fitness group.  I continue to attend appointments and medical assessments in the hope of returning to work. I enjoy attending the Dirrans centre, I feel safe here to work on building my confidence and that this is the place I have best found my feet. My family feel the centre has been very positive for me, I look forward to coming and am grateful weekly to all the staff for the support I receive.  The support has enabled me to discuss frustrations, enjoy positive socialisation opportunities with the staff and other people using the service and feel relaxed in the centre environment and much more normal again, whatever normal is.