My story by Joy
INTRODUCTION
I had my stroke in July 2017 in Montserrat which is a British Overseas Territory. I had the stroke in church. I worked as a dental therapist for over 20 years in the Ministry of Health . I came to the UK in October 2017 to access therapy, support and treatment which is not available on the island.
I had my stroke in July 2017 in Montserrat which is a British Overseas Territory. I had the stroke in church. I worked as a dental therapist for over 20 years in the Ministry of Health . I came to the UK in October 2017 to access therapy, support and treatment which is not available on the island.
BEFORE THE STROKE
As a therapist I enjoyed working with people and especially children. Before the stroke I was very involved and busy especially in church activities, including being the Coordinator and member of the church choir, being in charge of the youth group, reading notices, being an usher at church etc.
AFTER THE STROKE
The stroke has affected me in several ways:
The stroke has affected me in several ways:
- Affected the right side of the body, including weakness in hands and feet. The stroke (left side) also has affected my balance.
- Speech- At times, it is difficult to say what I mean. For example, I will think of what I want to say, what comes out of my mouth is totally different. It is very frustrating for me.
- Reading – When it comes to reading out loud, I am like a little child, who is just learning to read. At times, I am unable to pronounce words or letters. I can read in my head, although it is a bit slower.
- Proccessing information takes much longer.
- Writing- unable to write at all.
- Cooking and also using cutlery to eat effectively is a challenge for me.
Therapy in the United Kingdom
The first appointment with the cardiologist was in December 2017 and Stroke registrar in January 2018. I was referred to the community team but in April. They were:
- Occupational Therapist
- Physiotherapist
- Speech and and Language Therapist
This was for a duration of 12 weeks.
This was followed followed by the Neuro Gym in Peckham Rye, Vocational Therapy and additional Speech and Language therapy.
WHAT CHANGED?
Everything has changed
* Moving to a new country, different weather, new place, new culture, new lifestyle, away from family and friends.
* I had to depend on others to help me, whereas I was the one who was always helping someone. BIG CHANGE
* The things that I used to do I am I unable to do now
SUPPORT
I have been able however to get some support .
– I have been going to a stroke group in Croydon since January 2018 every other week. In this group there is sitting exercises, also lunch and crafts.
– I also attend a speech and therapy group known as Re Connect. This group is especially for persons who has a with a problem communication knows as aphasia.
-I’m now attending the Aphasia clinic, facilitated by the City University and I am presently using an iPad to concentrate on writing.
FUTURE PLANS
Exercising- starting to look at the gym and what they offer
Going back to work eventually
Long term goal-becoming very independent.