"Suffered Stroke"

Woke up at 3 am in the morning with no feeling to my left side and droop to the side of my face. Felt very scared as I live alone but was able to call 999 for an ambulance. 

Being recently widowed I felt very vulnerable and helpless. What if I couldn’t walk? Who would care for me ? 

Fortunately the ambulance soon arrived, the crew being very professional and supportive. 

I did get somewhat tearful thinking about my late wife, being a retired nurse how she would have cared for me.

Slowly the effects of my stroke appeared to lesson. 

On arrival at Worcester Royal we were met by members of the hospital “Stroke Team”. Again they were wonderful, conducting many tests, presumably accessing the extent of my stroke.

Almost immediately I was given a CT  scan , again fantastic at that time of morning. 

I was eventually placed on a ward and had the best sleep I have had for a long time. 

The next morning I was assessed by the physiotherapy team with a view to my going home. 

Soon after that I was assessed by a doctor and nurse from the hospital stroke team. Again very professional and supportive. Explaining what my diagnosis was and what support I would receive in the future. This including support from the Community Stroke Team. 

I was advised as to the DVLA regulations and not being able to drive for a month.

I was able to go home later that day after being assessed with regard to my living alone and the support I would have. My brother and his family settled me in when I got home.

The next day, yes the next day, I was contacted by the Community Stoke Team to make an appointment for a member of the team to visit me. That week Hannah, physiotherapist from the team came to my home. 

She initially fully explained the support I would get from the team, how long for and giving me documentation containing detailed information. 

We then discussed exactly what had happened with her showing real concern and answering any questions or concerns I had. 

I was also physically examined for pulse and I think blood pressure. This examination including observations I presume relating to my reactions. I was also aware of Hannah’s concern as to my emotional and mental state.

I informed Hannah that the ambulance crew had found a reading showing Atrial Fibrillation whilst being examined at home. She said she would look into this and ask for a nurse from the team to visit to undertake an examination in relation to this condition. 

I have to say Hannah made me feel less alone and concerned, knowing there was support as I dealt with this frightening episode in my life.

Again within a week the Community Team made contact and nurse Sharon  visited. Again very professional and supportive, verifying that I am suffering from AF. Sharon informed me that she would be contacting the hospital doctor and I would be contacted as to how the condition would be treated. 

The next day Sharon sent me an email detailing what she had done, contacting the hospital and what support I may get. A great service.

Yet again the next day my GP phoned to say the hospital doctor had contacted her . We discussed the implications of AF and the medication I was going to be put on and the side effects , including how to deal with them. 

The last month has been difficult in relation to the domestic issues ,not being able to drive.

Since the support and advice from the Community Team I have been doing most of my shopping on line and had support from family, friends and neighbours. My neighbour is Chinese, home cooked food is definitely better than the restaurants!. 

I am how waiting for appointments for Carotid Doppler and 72hr Holter tape. 

I am now feeling much better and happier. After no further concerns I have recently started to drive again. Back to a normal life.

I have become more aware of my health and after the advice from the Community Team including my lifestyle, diet and exercise. 

I now realise my future is brighter knowing I have support, but support that will help to prevent this happening again. 

Thank you .