When stroke strikes, part of your brain shuts down. And so does a part of you. Life changes instantly and recovery is tough. But the brain can adapt. Our specialist support, research and campaigning are only possible with the courage and determination of the stroke community.

My Story

I had a small left Cerebellar stroke the week before Christmas.  It was a great shock and life has not been the same since.  I am lucky that I am not paralysed, I can communicate and outwardly (apart from a slight tilt to the left when I walk) I look much the same as I did prior to the stroke.  However I continue to have sensory overload, various cognitive issues with concentration and memory and also stroke fatigue.  I am not the same person, I am not the same wife, mother, granny, colleague or friend as I was prior to the stroke.  Stroke robs you of your identity.

Not all strokes conform to the FAST symptoms - mine didn't.  I assumed that as my initial symptoms of vertigo, extreme dizziness, aversion to light, and wobblyness improved that I would be back to normal within a few weeks.  This is not the case.  

I searched on-line for information.  Why was this recovery taking so long, why was I so, so tired, why could I not cope with shops (lights, looking up and down, noise), headaches, lack of sleep?  I discovered the Stroke Association and found really useful videos, lots of information and an on-line forum of Stroke Survivors.  Their support and understanding has been tremendous.  Just reading others experiences is both helpful and humbling.  They have helped with my anxiety including the why me, what if it happens again, how to deal with the '..but you look so well..' comments and many, many other things. I have learned through them that cognitive issues are common and that recovery does 'just take time'.  I am improving and gradually I am learning to cope with this 'invisible disability' and find my identity; the new Fiona.

It seemed fitting that the Walk Your Way Campaign begins on 17/06/19, the six month 'anniversary' of my stroke.  The walk is 26.2 miles over 17 - 31/06/19.  I plan to do various routes around Thurso and will keep track of distance by an app.  I will be very grateful if you are able to spare a few £s to help keep this very worthy organisation running.

Thank you

Fiona