Kevin Hall

My life changed on Tuesday 4th March 2003.

It had been like any other day, I had been working at a client's all day. Poring over yet more boring computer print outs and invoices. I drove home irate at being stuck in slow moving traffic shouting at other drivers to get a move on. It didn't do any good. I decided to do the weekly shop on the way then called in to see my niece and give her, her birthday present.

I arrived home about 7o'clock put the shopping away and put dinner in the oven, the usual TV dinner. I sat down with a tin of beer and realised that I had a headache from hell, right at the back of my head. I never usually suffered from headaches and certainly never in the place of this acute pain. I decided a Paracetamol tablet was required, unusual as headaches usually just go away. I sat down in front of the TV. The pain just got worse. I tried to get up to check on dinner's progress but just slid from the chair onto the floor. I thought that this was rather strange and I began to worry, I did not feel well and I was alone. I got to the phone and called Mum, I said that I wasn't feeling well and would she come round. Luckily she lived nearby, while on the phone I picked up some loose change, which was sitting by the phone, It just slipped through my hand. I sat quietly waiting for help to arrive.

Within minutes I heard a car stop outside, I made my way to the door using the walls to hold myself up. I opened the door and stumbled outside to greet my visitors. I ended up lying in the flowerbed beside the path. My stepfather rushed to help me up and then virtually carried me back inside. He sat me in a chair and called an ambulance. He said that he thought I had had a stroke; don't be stupid I'm too young I thought. The ambulance arrived and whisked me off to the local A&E in Brighton. I felt relieved, I thought it would be all over soon as the doctors would just sort out whatever was wrong and send me back to get on with my life.

I drifted in and out of consciousness all night, I remember it being confirmed that I had had a brain haemorrhage stroke. The next day, I was taken to a London hospital by ambulance, as this was the nearest neurological bed available. I was told that the doctor had to ring round hospitals all night to find this bed. For the next two weeks I slept waking now and then to see family members sitting at my bedside, I was then transferred back to Brighton to what seemed like a geriatric ward. I spent most of the time lying in bed waiting for a bed to become available in a rehabilitation hospital in order to get treatment to aid the recovery of my non-functioning left arm and leg. This is when the depression started.

I eventually made it to the Rehab centre and threw myself into all therapies hoping that it would only be a matter of time until I was up and about again. I was there until June when I could walk a few steps, then released into the custody of my mother and step father who looked after me while I continued with the community rehab team. In November 2003, when I could walk a few more steps, I felt confident enough to return home. After a few hic-cups I managed to live independently with the assistance of my ever supportive family. I owe them so much...

In February 2004 I decided that I was ready to get back to work part time.

So to bring things up to date, I still have disabilities, my left arm and hand being virtually useless. I think my walking continues to improve and I drive a modified car. I still live independently with my family's assistance, and I continue to work as an accountant, although still part time as I still seem to tire quickly.

My life has changed in many ways but that is now ok. In some ways it has changed for the better. I have changed for the better, my career is not so important to me and I am a little more relaxed. I worry less, I am now concentrating on quality of life things, as I recognise how precious life is. I have been very lucky.

I would like to thank everyone who has assisted in my recovery, there are many. Especially my family, I could not have wished for more love and support, even when I was probably a huge pain in the arse.

I recently bumped into my hospital physiotherapist I think she was pleased to see me walking better. She congratulated me on my progress as when I first met her she asked me my goals. I said to return to work, drive and live independently. She thought I was hoping for a bit too much, but I have done it all! Not on my own of course, but I needed the determination and drive to achieve my goals.

I could go on forever I seem to have lots of new experiences but do not wish to bore you further.

I feel I would like to put my experience as a stroke survivor to use and help others who find themselves in a similar position. I would be grateful for any ideas on how I could do this. Perhaps a change of career. Not a bad thing!

Thanks to Kevin 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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