Rowena Penny

Hi, I am Rowena Penny 34, I had a stroke in April 2005.

I woke up two weeks before my stroke having what most people can only describe as a "stiff neck" as if you have slept funny.

Anyway, the pain got worse and I was actually taking so many ibuprofen and paracetemol that I could have opened a small pharmacy.

I found it difficult to get an appointment with my GP and was eventually referred to the practice nurse. She said I had muscular probelms and suggest I go to see a physio. This I did and although the physio didnt say so at the time, she thought it strange that I had full range head movement. Needless to say, she didnt really do too much to me, and looking back, this was probably a good thing.

I was due to go back to see her two days later however, I got up early in the morning, said goodbye to my husband as he went to work and went about getting ready. The day I dont remember though. The pain in my neck went to my head and I was in so much pain I called my mum and dad crying down the phone. They rushed round and took me straight to the surgery.

It was here that it all went pear shaped. Apparently I collapsed, was sick, lost my hearing and my sight. Initially the nurse and doctor said I was probably having a bad migraine. My dad insisted that an ambulance was called. It seems I had the stroke at the surgery.

I was rushed to the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital in Norwich and it took several hours before anyone even mentioned a stroke. I was then shipped to Addenbrooks in Cambridge, some 70 miles away. Still unaware of what was happening to me, I understand the first 24 hours were very touch and go as I could have died. Needless to say I am here to tell the tale.

I came round about a week later, I couldnt see properly and everyone looked like aliens. I also thought I was talking properly but apparently I was only whispering. It wasnt until I fully came round that I was informed I'd had a stroke and at the time, I was so doped up with drugs I didnt really care. I was sent back to Norwich after about 2 weeks at Addenbrooks and enjoyed the pleasures of a private room for a while.

Being 33 and normally fully independent, you can imagine how I felt to eventually be told that I might be in a wheelchair for life, but I forced myself to get up, so enjoyed the zimmerframe experience. Throughout this time, I kept my sense of humour and was pleased to say I hadn't cried yet.

After 8 weeks in hospital I was transferred to a rehab unit called Caroline House, I can only describe this place as similar to an east german prison camp. It was awful, the plaster boards didnt meet on the walls, dark wood everywhere and it had that oh so awful smell of disinfectant. urgh.

I was so motivated to get home, that I said, if I was not out of there in three weeks then I was doing a runner and escaping.

So during the next few weeks I went through a lot of physio to get my left side working again. Most people wanted to do OT in cooking and gardening but I needed to get back to work so asked for IT experience........the computer had not been switched on for years and they had no formal programmes for me to do. great.

I urged the doctors to get me off the drugs as quickly as possible as they were making me feel too out of it. I am delighted to say that I managed to get released after three weeks and managed to make it home for my birthday.

People are fairly astonished that I have recovered so quickly, this I put down to several things; being young, fit (I have a dog and walk c4 miles a day), I dont smoke and hardly drink. the doctors say, I could have been just an unfortunate person who had a time bomb waiting to go off.

I think being pretty determined has also assisted in my quick recovery. I went back to work in the middle of July 2005 back to my normal hours and also enjoyed a holiday in Majorca. I am doing most things I did before my stroke, apart from the likes of decorating and heavy lifting etc. My only fight now is with the DVLA to get my licence back.

During all of this, my husband and kids have been really supportive and so has the rest of my immediate family and friends. I think having children brings you back to reality and stops you from feeling sorry for yourself. Lets just say, I came home from hospital and after 20 minutes of me being home, they wanted to go out to play. What can you do? They need to get on with life.

The downside to all of this, is that people worry about me more. "are you alright", "can we do anything". Where I really appreciate everyone's concern I need to get on with life on my own.

I can only urge others who have had a stroke to try to be strong. It would have been easy for me to get depressed about the whole situation but, it happened, I can't do anything about it, it is unlikely to happen again, I am still here so lets get on with it.

Thanks to Rowena for sending in her 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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