Donna Windsor
I was a 'young' 53, suntanned, fit and healthy when I had a stroke.
We came home from a bar-be-que one Saturday night in July. I brought my 'quite merry' husband home. Early on Sunday morning, I went downstairs to get a glass of water for him and came back to bed. I was perfectly well, and laughed at my husband who was suffering. I had no headache - no pain anywhere. A little later I got up to go to the bathroom, lost all balance as though I was in a canoe in a force 9, and started to be violently sick. No pain. The onset was so fast I knew it was serious and asked for an ambulance which arrived in 5 minutes.
After the paramedics' assessment, I got down the stairs with great difficulty, unaided, but my right side gave way on the front drive. My husband was with me at A & E, while still violently sick. My heartbeat was very erratic. The doctor seemed puzzled, but thought I had food poisoning and was concerned about their 4 hr limit. At that limit he admitted me into MAU into a single side ward. I was put on a drip which was replenished several times. I was discharged next morning using a wheelchair, unable to walk and against my husbands' wishes. I spent the week fighting sickness, vertigo and trying to walk. During this time, I had an insatiable thirst, and drank around a gallon of water a day but could not eat. I knew something was terribly wrong, and my husband and I called the surgery for help and advice several times. The surgery had a discharge diagnosis of food poisoning/ear infection from the hospital so little help was forthcoming. I was very frightened. Five days later, I wobbled in to see my GP who ordered immediate readmission. By 9pm no admission call had come so my husband took me back into hospital. I was admitted overnight then discharged again the next morning in a wheelchair. I was given a 6 week hence appointment for a CT scan after which I received a letter saying I had not had a stroke.
8 months on, in March, I still suffered memory, balance and hearing difficulties and my left hand was weak. I suffered strange 'lurching', when I felt the ground moved. I visited a locum doctor who suggested I go privately to find out what had happened to me as he considered that the diagnosis of 'ear infection' by the hospital may not be correct. I also found out that the paramedics initial assessment of ? Cardiac Incident/Stroke on my pre-admission notes had been ignored by the hospital.
9 months on, in April at the Nuffield 25 miles away, the Neurologist suggested I see a Cardiologist and I underwent many tests including an MRI. The Neurologist found evidence of a stroke and the Cardiologist found a large hole (PFO) in my heart.
By July, one year after the stroke, I realised that I was at risk as our local hospital only had record of 'food poisoning/ear infection' = no record of stroke. I took my passport to the hospital and entered the notes from the Nuffield into my personal record. I also asked a locum GP to help me ensure I was cared for locally, resulting in appointments with a Cardiologist and a Neurologist at our local hospital.
In September, 14 months after the stroke, I was prescribed anti-coagulant drugs for life.
I looked, and felt very well just before the stroke. I had no pain at all anywhere during the stroke, just terrible sickness, and vertigo and terrifying hallucinations - I dared not move because I thought the hospital bed was on the ceiling and that I would fall out. The walls moved in and out too. I was conscious and able to hold a conversation. Back at home, I did Sudoku and made myself walk (in heels) which I was not able to do before!!!! I refused to bow to the depression, and lonely fear. I believe my dogged routine helped my recovery. Part of that routine was denial, and I am going to see my GP during the next week to admit that I have got ongoing problems and will need some kind of help and support. I hope that this time it will be forthcoming.
I had to fight for the recognition that a stroke had occurred. Now, nearly 4 years on, I look well, as I have throughout, (which can be a hindrance). I try daily to overcome the, sometimes, hidden limitations the stroke has forced on me.
Thanks to Donna for sending in her story. Anyone else who would like to share their story can send it along with a photograph (if you're not shy!)
Send me an
- c/o PROFILES,
- Click here for address
