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!
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.
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