Param Singh

What a way to round off 2004. I can't remember anything too pleasant about it and having this stroke made things worse. 9th Dec 2004,getting ready for the chistmas build up on my caribbean food stall in Peterborough.I had gone stock buying in London,which involes me setting off about 6.00am.Normally its a two man job so I have a friend who goes with me.But that morning(of all mornings)he didn't answer the door or pick up the phone.Not wasting any time I made my way to London.Of course every ones in a rush,but I got through it ok and made my way home with one more last stop at Bedford.

It was about 5.00pm when I left London so planning ahead I should be home for 7.00pm(it was all ways a long day stock buying).Pulling into the wholsesale yard, they had closed, but had left the stock for me in one corner of the yard. My mobile rang just then,it was my wife asking when I will be home. Telling her eveything was ok,I should be back for 7.00pm. Soon as I had put the phone down I felt dizzy. I loaded last of the stock,got back into the van and drove off. Leaving Bedford I came to a roundabout, noticing a car coming from the right, I attempted to slow down,but the van kept going. I thought there is a problem with the van and avoided the approching car.

After that hair raising moment, I pulled the van to one side to check things over. Everything mechanical was ok, so I returned to make my way home. This is where things got really bad. I had driven out onto the A1 and lost all use of my right hand and then my right leg, 35 miles away from home and help. I think my brain was shuting down as I didn't even think of pulling over and phoning for help. Somehow I managed to get home without hurting anybody else. Reversing the van into my drive I lost control and just managed to stop in time. My wife rushed outside to see why I was late, it was nearly 8.00pm. Seeing me seating in the drivers chair she said to come outside. After three attempts I did not move and that is where it hit my wife.

She called for an ambulance and got help from neighbours. When the ambulance arrived it was just a car,so the nurse put me in the passenger seat in my van,and him next to me, with a friend driving, drove to A&E. Everything seems to be a haze after then. I know I was transferred to Addenbrooks on Friday, where I spent two weeks. Where I seemed to drifting in and out of consciousness and nurses asking what was my name,and do you know I didn't know. Chistmas eve they transfed me back to Peterborough hospital.

It felt weird not being with your family at Chistmas, although they all came to see me. Being confined to my bed and depending on nurses and my wife to move me and put the bed pan underneath me. Many a night I would lay awake thinking what has happened to me and is this just a bad dream, but then I would wake in the moring and find myself in the same hosptial bed.

New year passed quietly, thoughts of what I was up to last year and people enjoying themselves this year. The first week of the New Year I was getting some movement back in my right thumb and could my right leg a little. Every day that passed that week I felt I got a little bit better. My speech was improving and had a speech therapist who would give me a simple test to see how much I was getting on. The nurses and staff were excellent,always smiling and cheerful. I think would my recovery would have been a diffrent story if it wasn't for them.

My wife(Jagdesh) would stay with me most days,but tried to keep the business running.She would come back and see me in the evenings.She would be exhausted and upset,trying to hide any outside problems, but I could tell there was something wrong. She finally gave in and told me we had financial problems. Telling her not to worry, I would sort it out when I home (if I ever got home).

The next week a new nurse came to see me,her name was Shara and was a physiotherapist. She looked after me and got my leg and hand moving more. She was pleased with progress and she would talk to the doctor about sending me home next week.I was overjoyed with the thought of going home. That week passed (very slowly) waiting for the doctor to do his rounds. I was so looking forward to go home, but on arrivial his mind was all ready made up that I should stay another week. Upset wasn't how I felt, but I waited for Jagdesh and she comforted me. I supposed it gave me more determination for the following week. More physio every day, even managed to get out of bed on my own and even got to toilet (hanging onto the walls) unaided. The doctor was his weekly round again and I was determind to get out. Finally he come to my room. The doctor, Shara and two other consultants entered the room. After asking me how I was and how the treatment was going they all went outside.

It seemed like they had been gone forever,but the door opened and the doctor walked in,he had made a decision and I could go home. I could've kissed him, but settled on shaking his hand. So January 25th was when I could go. Just a few more days,and each day seemed like a 100. The 25th arrived and it was just a matter of counting the hours. Shara came in and said transport had been arranged for 2.00pm, more waiting. All the nurses and staff came in to wish me well and then two men dressed in green suits said they've came to collect Mr.Singh, finally.

Taking me down in the lift and to the ambulance, I felt cold but relieved that I was going home. My recovery has been long (and is still going on )and painful. I have had great support and comfort from the home care, physio, and occupation-therapy nurses( Rachel, Karen and Kathryn). So from the 9th December 2004, my life took a very different turn, so I what to thank every one from the bottom of my heart and thanks for sticking with me. Just one last thought as I write this story with one hand, I know a young person is going through it, all can say is "don't give up hope".

Thanks to Param 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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