“I have seen a huge step change in the way I view life after my stroke”
The ALLIANCE Humans of Scotland, shares and showcases short stories about the everyday lives of the people we engage with.
“My life turned upside down in an instant when I had a stroke on Christmas night at the age of 51.
I couldn’t talk or walk and my son, a trained first aider, immediately recognised I was having a stroke and dialled 999. I got to hospital quickly and was transferred to a stroke unit. Given I had had a haemorrhagic stroke due to a bleed which was caused by high blood pressure, I wasn’t eligible for thrombolysis, a treatment that can significantly reduce the severity of disability a stroke can cause.
My mobility was affected by the stroke, as was my ability to communicate. You know what you want to say, and you think you’re saying what you mean to say, but the words don’t come out as they should. It is the most frustrating thing. I was devastated.
I returned home and not only did I have the physical effects of my stroke to deal with, but also fatigue and emotional difficulties.
Things were particularly difficult for me at this time and I was admitted to hospital again – this time with mental health problems.
However, I have not given up and am determined to get back to a life after my stroke. I started befriending for a mental health charity and now run The Falkirk Fly Fishing Group. I am also Civilian Committee Chair of the Air Training Corps.
I attended the Stroke Association’s ‘Moving Forward After stroke’ exercise programme this year run in partnership with Active Stirling.
The programme has been greatly beneficial for both my physical and mental health. It is great to feel more active and I now go to the gym regularly.
I am now looking for work, going to the gym regularly and have seen a huge step change in the way I view life after my stroke and my confidence is returning.”
Read more Humans of Scotland stories on our website.
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