Sue Lyons
My name is Sue Lyons, I am 43, and live in Preston, Lancashire.
It was 27th June 2004 when I suffered my stroke, which was a right-sided clot.
I had had a very busy 10 days, prior to my stoke, as my twin sister, who I am really close to lost her husband suddenly to a massive heart attack. Dave had never had anytime off sick from work and collapsed at work at the side of his van. Dave had left a wife and four children, two from his first marriage and my niece Jane 19 and my nephew Paul 16.
The family was devastated, and the worry of financial hardship of the loss of Dave's income really worried me. However, I set too to help Liz wherever I could, for the next 10 days. I told her at the house prior to the funeral that I would be there for her whenever she needed. Little did I know what was about to happen!
The morning of the funeral, my brother, his partner and our friends Shelia and Sid and I took my brothers golden retriever for a long walk over the golf course. It was a boiling hot, sunny day with the temperature in the 80's. We returned home got ready for the funeral and all met at my sister's house.
The hearse arrived and my sister and her family all got in the two cars, which sat sadly behind the hearse. We followed the hearse to the crematorium for a 1:30 service. The children's floral arrangement was placed at the rear of the hearse behind Dave, which read simply "DAD"
I drove my car to the crematorium, on arrival I got my mum out of the car and placed her in a wheel chair, we walked 100 yards to where everyone was gathered and as I lifted the wheelchair up the kerb, I collapsed to the ground. I vaguely remember hearing voices. An ambulance was called I understand very quickly, as a friend thought I had had a stroke. I have no recollection of the next 5 hours or so, as I understand I was 'blue lighted' to the Royal Preston Hospital. In fact the next few days were very vague.
I was transferred to medical assessment ward, for 24 hours and then to ward 19, were my treatment and recovery began to commence. I was taken for various text, i.e. CT scan, heart trace, etc. I saw various consultants who all confirmed I had had a stroke.
After about 10 days I was transferred to Bleasedale Ward a rehabilitation ward at the back of the hospital, were my recovery continued. Gradually, I was allowed out of bed for short periods to sit in my wheelchair, that process involved me being hoisted into the air and placed in the chair.
I remember Lindsey my Physio coming round and saying that until I could sit for at least 2 hours, they would not be able to do any treatment. This was my turning point, I thought "I will sit here if it kills me" I remember feeling very disorientated and dizzy, but I stayed there for two and half-hours. The following day Lindsey wheeled me to the treatment room and did some basic Balance and sitting tests. Then her and he assistant help me stand up. I then walked a few paces. I realised this was a turning point. Lindsey said we are going to walk through the door a bit. A bit, I walked with support back to the ward. Everyone was so pleased. Within a few days I was allowed to transfer to the chair and commode used a banana board. Hallelujah! No more "bed pans". After a few more days I was allowed to walk to the toilet with the aid of two nurses. Eventually, with the physio and nurses help I gained the confidence to walk a short distance alone, to the bathroom. At first I was absolutely terrified of falling over, as I was a bit wobbly to say the least.
I was eventually discharged on 22 July 2004, to home. This was another terrifying hurdle.
At the time of typing this 26 September 05, I have made tremendous progress and am functioning reasonably well, although still having physio, I am hoping to return to my job very soon, initially part time.
My one regret however, is that I was not there to support my sister and her family, she ended up supporting my mum and me.
The one thing I would say to other stroke sufferers, although I realise I have been very, very lucky, is stay positive and determination can win through.
Thanks to Sue 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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