“I had a haemorrhagic stroke on 22nd August 2024. This is the most severe type of stroke and is the most difficult to treat.
The day before it happened, I went to work and climbed the hill where I parked the car, and my leg started to tremble which I thought was a bit odd. It was an early sign of what was to come next. The next day my son came downstairs and found me collapsed on the cloakroom floor. He asked me why I was talking funny and looking so odd. He called his mum, and she told him to phone the emergency services for me. I was lucky I was at home and there was someone about.
I went to the Royal Berkshire Hospital for 2 weeks, and then West Berkshire hospital for a further six weeks, before being transferred to QEF in the middle of October.
My entire left side was paralysed because of the stroke, I had problems swallowing and my speech was a little off but has improved remarkably over the past few weeks. Although I have ongoing mobility and cognitive issues, I am just so grateful to be alive.
I have been working with Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists here at QEF. They are amazing people, and they are all key stakeholders in helping me in a specialised way. I am building as much strength as I can and getting stronger.
I had some walking exercises today with the physios to improve my standing and with the occupational therapy team I recently went shopping to cook a meal. I am really looking forward to cooking my favourite Dahl curry for everyone. All these facilities have helped me, and it is amazing how I can then take these skills back home. My left arm is weak and needs splint techniques so we can persuade it gently. I am going to splint appointments for this, and my left leg also has its limitations.
Dr Wayne Dyer has a special place in my heart and keeping me positive. So much is about how we look at it. This is a period of adjustment for me. All this change needs me to adjust quickly, and I have daily therapy. There is a plenty going on here at QEF, such as standing groups which is a challenging one for me – although today I was standing. That is what it is about, hopefully they can get me walking before I leave, if not my wheelchair is going to be my independence.
I was a professional Health and Safety and ISO auditor. I have decided I am going to retire though so I can enjoy other things. You never know when the time comes to let go of everything and that is what I am in the process of doing. It is a way for me to build up other areas of my life –wherever that takes me. I am aware of my limitations, my feet are firmly on the ground, but I am keen to look at how I can use my skills, as a CQC inspector; my auditing and risk assessment skills would implement this type of role.
Also, one of my missions in life is to build peoples’ love for music. My music projects took me to Africa, France, Germany and across the UK. I have also linked with different freelance artists, schools, youth clubs and collaborated with disabled people from various centres. Thats always been a part of me, and who I am.
My discharge date from QEF is the 9th of January 2025. I am so lucky to be alive and have a lot to look forward to. I am so grateful to all the people along the way that have helped me with their healing touch. I cannot thank them enough.”
