Yvonne Jupp
One day in May 2003 I found I was getting a strong sensation of pins and needles up and down my right side from my leg right up to my neck. I thought it was strange but didn't think anything of it. When I woke up the next day I found I had no feeling in my right arm. I immediately went to the doctor and was diagnosed with a trapped vein and given tablets. As the days went on I found I couldn't dial numbers, spell and to read was impossible as the words would just jump, I got confused and couldn't find things. I had such a bad headache. It took five days for anyone to take me seriously. I just thought I was going mad. I was taken to hospital and admitted. I was given lots of blood tests and had an MRI scan. I found I didn't receive the help I needed by staff, no one offered to cut my food, and I had to get on my hands and knees to get anything out of my locker. I was transferred to a more experienced hospital, which was a big shock; I was in a ward with coma patients. I found it frightening to be further from home, all my independence had gone and I felt so alone.
I was given more blood tests, another MRI scan, x-rays and scans and ECG for 24 hours. I was told that I'd had two mild strokes but there were no bleeds but after all the tests they couldn't find out the reason why I had them.
I started physiotherapy and started on the road to movement. I was in a good teaching hospital and was swarmed with students. Throughout this I had a good friend who phoned me everyday and my sister visited me whenever she could.
When I came out of hospital it took a couple of weeks to get physio, being a carer as well was extra stress on me. As my arm looks normal people tend to forget I still have the journey of building my muscles up and see me as back to normal. Frustration at not being able to do the hobbies I enjoyed or practical things. I have gone through feelings of anger, depression and frustration, but I still manage to have a laugh and joke and take things by each day and know in time I will get full recovery. Asking for help is hard but I know at the moment I need to ask. I am exploring where to find other young stroke survivors to share the experience and understanding.
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