Glenn Hayes

It all started back in 1999 when I had a severe brain stem stroke. I had been to work driving a 17 tonne lorry, got home had some tea, and went to a friends as my ex wife was at work to go a walk round a local fishing pool.

I had been having 1 or 2 headaces but nothing really that out of the unusual, when as I was walking around the pool I bent down to pick something up and I could not get back up. It felt as though I was terribly drunk. My friend, who I was with, phoned the ambulance and I spent the next 14 months in Hospital, what a nightmare.

Anyway they took me to New Cross Hospital in Wednesfied near Wolverhampton in the West-Mids. But I only know what I have been told as I had gone in to a comma by now, and they rushed me from New Cross to the Q E Hospital in Birmingham, as my head had started to swell up due to fluid on the brain.

I was read the last rites as the Doctors said they did not think I would make it through the night, but I have proved them wrong with a hell of a lot of determination and a lot of good friends. After about 3 months I was moved to a rehabilitation hospital in Wolverhampton and I must say if the consultant had not took a gamble on me going there I would not be here today.

While I was in hospital I could not speak or eat or drink I was fed through a tube and went down to 8 stone. I lost my 27 year old marriage, but I am now living independently and am learning to walk again.

If there is anyone out there who would like a chat, please e-mail me. There is nothing I don't know about a stroke. Remember don't ever give up, there is always someone worse than yourself. I have been to hell and back.

Thanks to Glen for sending in his profile. Anyone else who would like to share their story can send it along with a photograph (if you're not shy!)

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