Russ

Used to be life and soul of a party - all changed now.

I had my first and only stroke 20 years ago - aged 31 just before xmas - woke up - went to the bathroom - felt rough - collapsed - taken to A&E - paramedics thought I had the flu - woke up I think around 4 days later - didn't know who I was or where I was - totally incapacitated.

Told I had a massive stroke - my mum was seriously ill - my brother died from a brain tumour at the same time - I couldn't get any lower - I wanted to die.

Short term memory now is pathetic - back to work for years now physically almost back to normal - emotionally that's a different story. I didn't consider speaking to anybody - I always thought I was hard - now I'm like a blubbering baby change in my work circumstances now - I need help now - right now.

Off work at the moment - dodgy hip - time to take stock used to work with a great friend - have to work alone now now I want to talk - thankfully - DS is the main part in my life to talk - and I don't get judged - spout away and there's someone there to listen.

On my 2nd marriage - 2 more kids - 1 from previous wife my wife is understanding regarding to my situation but I always feel  that I'm a burden.

I'm  going to seek help for my emotions - should have done that long time ago.

Sam

The story starts on Oct 10th 2015 when I had a heart attack.  

This was following several days of horrendous chest pains. I knew what they meant but I was in denial!  That can't happen to me etc!  I was rushed to MRI Manchester where I had 4 stents fitted.  I found out later that they had to use the defibrillator several times as I had during the angioplasty. I was then transferred to Stepping Hill hospital and went home after 3 days. 

I arrived home at 3pm, went to bed around 11pm and woke at 2am with a completely numb left arm!  We phoned 999 and discovered my speech was slurred, all left side affected, yes it was a stroke.  I was then rushed to Salford Royal where it was confirmed as a right side bleed.  All my left side was affected, no movement etc.  Had the usual scans and after 5 days transferred back to Stepping Hill hospital.  

One thing I have been unable to get any answers to is that I went to my GP 2 weeks previously after suffering from a constant severe headache on right side of my head, he told me to have an eye test!  Also whilst in Cardiac Care 2 fingers on my left hand kept going completely numb (same feeling as my arm during the stroke) and I kept seeing aura lights in my right eye. They dismissed this as migraines which I have never had.  I feel if this had been checked out I may have avoided the stroke!

I had amazing physio at Stepping Hill and they got me walking again.  I had rehab for personal care and came home after 5 weeks.  I am doing ok now but find adapting to my new way of living after being a full time worker, avid biker girl with a very active life!  I worked for DWP for 7+ years and am going through the process of them dismissing me.  ~@This is because I am off Sick and cannot give them a return to work date!  Ironic or what?

I had gained some movement in my left arm but I am now in constant pain because my shoulder dropped after the stroke so I can barely move it now and take constant pain killers, waiting to see a consultant.

I am so glad to have found the Different Strokes facebook group.  I have picked up a lot of advice and ideas.  It has made me feel I am not alone in this and help advice and reassurance is never far away!  Everyone there is very friendly and helpful.