Jane Smith

I am a Thalidomide affected person. I have short arms and 7 fingers. On 31st December 1999 - Millennium Eve - I was admitted to hospital following my 'stroke of genius'. I was 39 years old and a few months earlier had moved into a new house with my boyfriend. I was there a week then discharged home. I had a further episode. This time my brother got me admitted to Glenfield Hospital where there is a specialist stroke unit. My consultant was Professor Potter - a wonderful man. I was there 3 weeks. The care and nursing were excellent. I was discharged home. I was at home 3 months, very depressed, before going back to work half-time as a social worker. Three years on I am still plodding on. Seven months after my stroke my boyfriend and I got married - he is my rock. I still can't use my left hand and I was left handed. I have an adapted car so I can drive. I worked out a way of dressing myself.

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