I DID SURVIVE

It seems likes ages since I wrote the article for the Xmas edition of your newsletter, time flies for a stroke survivor?

You will have worked out by now that despite my concerns and doubts about Alison's visit to Hull and my ability to survive, survive I did, not without a number of trials and tribulations but much wiser after the event.

I recall only too well. Alison walking through the doors leading to the train station, I was almost pleading (inaudibly of course) for her to turn around and come back to me, stroke survivors don't manage change easily and I'm certainly no different. I cuddled the telephone for the rest of the day awaiting updates on her progress to Hull. She rang frequently and it was so reassuring to know that she was on the end of the telephone if I needed to talk to her.

In the event, I didn't need her and I learnt a few things into the bargain. Alison like all carers, I suspect was ready for a break although she would not have admitted it. I know that despite my best efforts to persuade her otherwise, she felt very guilty about leaving. We had already decided that the trip was essential if we were to witness first hand the excellent work being carried out by Strokewatch in Hull and Alison's visit certainly achieved that as many of you are now aware. She was able to meet Brian and many of his team as well as meeting many of the medical people who work in the care services.

Alison arrived back buoyed up and ready to campaign for improvements locally. She also arrived home refreshed and it was worth it for me to see the glow back in her cheeks after the many months of worry that she has had following my stroke. So the message is 'Let us not forget our carers because they suffer almost as much as we do if in a different way.

During Alison's time away, caring duties were shared by other members of our families and whilst they did a good job (I'm here to tell the tale) what isn't always clear to other people are the vagaries of stroke and particularly the peculiar way that stroke affects us. My temporary carers were less understanding of my emotional problems and were inclined to do things for me whereas Alison knows my capabilities and is much more likely to let me get on with things thereby gaining some self esteem having achieved something. Nevertheless, my temporary carers did a great job and I felt so much better in the knowledge that Alison had been able to take a well-earned break.

John Hunter
Stroke survivor.