Chapter1- A Stroke of Time - Illustrated

With a touch as light as a feather a stroke has changed my life. each day that follows carries many discoveries, challenges and reflections. Realizing the fragility of this human frame, I must now consider how best to optimise my time and energies as both are limited. So it is my choice to share this journey back to wellness with you, the reader. Like any good travel companion, I hope always to keep the mood light, and make the journey as painless as possible reaching our destination with ease.

This year,2014,  on 28th April, I suffered a stroke - I say suffered, but it happened so fast and so quietly that I barely realised it.  Below I share my thoughts after my discharge from hospital.

Illustration1.Original Pen & Ink entitled 'A Stroke of Time' - DR


Meeting my Angels & Demons

Have you ever met your Angels and demons? I had an encounter with both just recently having suffered an intracerebral haemorrhage (stroke) invoked by my first demon, ‘High Blood pressure.  I had been fighting this nuisance for some years but try as I might to get rid of it, it was here to stay!  It was one of those uninvited guests that turns against you from within and refuses to be ejected. I had struggled with my medication, finding it more a nuisance than a help, my second Demon, until this fine morning when all that I had worked for was coming to fruition as I taught my first chess class of the Summer term. With a room full of students and in the midst of an interview with local press, I experienced a stroke which was quickly noticed by my first angel.  One of the mothers of my little students noticed my slurred speech & facial droop, confirming my worst fears- that I was having a stroke.  Caroline acted fast and without hesitation, telling me firmly to ‘Sit Down! & calling an ambulance. Here I met my second angel, Dave who assured me that I would be fine and gave me vital oxygen on my way to the nearest Hyper Acute Stroke Unit (HASU) at UCH.  Here I was   whisked through triage and accommodated at the specialist unit where I met some more angels, who neither judged nor bullied but just cared. Names filtered through the mists of my confused & vulnerable state of mind, Dr Perry, Sean, Cynthia, Rashab. They have an arduous & thankless task of answering countless questions & waking patients to measure vital signs every hour, stepping into the shoes of family & loved ones, without invading ones privacy. I felt safe and cared for, still fighting my demons with the help of these angels.  A box of chocolates & some flowers seems little thanks for what their intervention meant to me. I had to share these thoughts & feelings with you all. 
A Lesson Learnt, Don’t ignore your Demons and be grateful for the many angels who are working tirelessly in our caring community. Thanks to them and to the love of my Friends & Family, I am on the road to recovery today.

Further thoughts:
It is said that a problem shared is a problem halved. I have certainly taken that advice literally and ‘shared’ much of what I am experiencing with my friends on facebook. I have found this an enlightening experience.  To share my pain/distress with people I hardly ever meet and receive messages of love, warmth and encouragement in return.  Upon discharge from hospital, I felt a little lost, vulnerable and even a little guilty for ending up in this situation. My brain raced ahead thinking of consequences and possibilities.  My reasons for being here. Where do I go from here?  High blood pressure. Wise friends reminded me that I should be grateful that I AM here!

I haven’t yet conquered all my Demons but I am making peace with some of them  as I win the battle against high blood pressure.

Fatigue is my newest demon.  Seems to be riding on my back everywhere I go. Sometimes I have no choice but to escape into sleep but I am finding my music, tai chi and friends, welcome allies in battling this new demon.

 What has been disappointing is the lack of continuity of post-stroke care in the community.  Sorry to say this but there is a serious fracture there.  Lots of good intent but no substance. Even upon proactively reaching out for help. Things could be so much better.  Perhaps this is to be my new challenge/project.