Jan's story

I had just retired from being a primary school teacher and I had an ischemic stroke, right side, at home. It started with irritability, brain fog and I thought I had a virus. This was followed by a dragging foot, then arm and slurred speech. We did not act F.A.S.T! 

I was two weeks in hospital and got an early release with in-home support and rehab which I was grateful for. This was 17 months ago. I can now walk (short distance) and talk and, after one year, I could use my arm. The hardest symptom of all has been acute fatigue initially, and now chronic neuro fatigue. I still can’t drive, and socialising is limited to short periods.

Although I have support, the isolation of being at home alone and not being who I once was with an active lifestyle is a daily challenge. I really don’t think that one post-stroke follow up at hospital was enough. I was told I would be better in one year and hung onto that. Physically this was true enough. Not once did anyone mention debilitating fatigue symptoms to me. I have had to figure out my journey basically without medical assistance apart from my GP. Because I don’t have obvious symptoms now, it’s very hard for people to understand how unwell I feel daily. Managing my brain is like ‘walking on eggshells’.

I am grateful for my achievements physically, for my family and I try to remain patient and hopeful for the future.