The stories of stroke survivors are what drives our fight at the World Stroke Organization to achieve our goal of a world free from stroke. Welcome to our Stroke Survivor Stories series, which we'll pop up on the blog every Thursday, you may wish to contribute to this poignant narrative of stroke globally. Please contact Sarah.Belson@stroke.org.uk
Where were you when you had your
stroke?
I was walking
down the stairs at home, I can tell you the exact date and time. 8.30am
Thursday 11th September 2008.
Could you access hospital?
My husband
recognised I was having a stroke, and as my friend arrived for our walk he told
her to call an ambulance. The ambulance was called and I was at the hospital by
9am.
What expectations did you have for
your treatment, rehabilitation, therapy and recovery?
I had no
expectations as I hadn’t had a stroke before so I didn’t know what was supposed
to happen. All I was led to believe was that I was supposed to have a scan
within 3 hours – which is what the ambulance staff had told my husband en route
to the hospital when he asked about treatment. The ambulance staff had phoned
ahead to say I was coming with a suspected stroke. However I had to wait for 36
hours for my scan.
What was your experience of treatment
and/or rehabilitation and therapy?
I had a very
bad experience when I was first admitted to hospital, I got lost in the system
and it was only due to my husband’s perseverance that the scan took place 36
hours later. Although I arrived at hospital at 9am I did not have the
swallowing test until the evening, therefore I was not given a drink all day.
I was
transferred into a rehabilitation hospital about a month later and I had an
excellent experience there, there was a lovely atmosphere and the staff were
brilliant. I had physiotherapy every morning and support from occupational
therapists to show me the best and easiest ways to wash and dress myself.
What has helped you in your recovery?
Volunteering
has helped me because it gives me a reason to get up in the morning. It gives
me a purpose in life rather than sitting at home. It gets you mixing with
people again. After a stroke your confidence goes rock bottom.
What have been/are your fears?
Having
another stroke basically and not being able to volunteer because if I sat at
home I’ll get depressed.
How did your family and friends feel
and respond?
My family and
friends were fantastic. My husband and I had a very close circle of friends and
they never forgot who I was inside. I was still Rita inside. My husband was so
positive and if it wasn’t for him I wouldn’t be where I am. My husband has been
my tower of strength and my rock.
