My strokes came out of the blue

By Roger

Before my strokes, I was active. I loved to cycle and walk, and I was running my own home-based business.

But in March 2022 I had my first stroke. I was not impacted physically but my word finding was affected. That is why I went to my GP the following week. They suggested that it was probably a stroke. The fact of having had a stroke really knocked me about. I had heart issues and high blood pressure, so I was always aware I had a higher risk of a heart attack or a stroke.y the end of that year, I felt back to my old self. All the impacts from the first stroke had all but disappeared.

But that was to be short lived, in January 2023 I had another stroke. This time I knew something was wrong. I had a severe headache, and I couldn't lift my head off my desk.

When my wife came home, she noticed that I was slurring my words and called an ambulance. I was taken to the QEII hospital and kept there for around 30 hours before going home. The hospital confirmed I had a further stroke and could not drive for the next two weeks. This was about all I was told, that and the suggestion that I get an MRI, which is an issue as I have a pacemaker.

Although the nursing staff at QEII were a great support when I was in hospital, it was my GP who got me into the PA hospital for OT, speech, and physiotherapy treatment.

The strokes have left me with aphasia, balance issues and fatigue.

I am semi-retired but have kept my business running and I work on my business 3-4 hours per day. The OT and speech therapists were a great help in helping me manage my fatigue. I am lucky that I have my own business, and I can continue running it.

I found a local aphasia group, and this has proved to be invaluable. I have learned a lot from people in the group and gained a greater perspective of stroke. I am proud that I have been able to continue with my business.