Stroke of genius
Constance, 62, makes a ‘remarkable’ recovery after her quick-thinking
I would encourage everyone to get to know the signs of stroke
A WOMAN who quickly realised she was having a stroke and sought help has made a “remarkable” recovery after spending weeks in hospital.
Constance Jordan, 62, said she was sitting on her sofa at home when she noticed her right arm become heavy.
She described how her head began to feel “fuzzy” and her arm movement was limited.
Thanks to her quick thinking, she was able to get help from medics quickly and has been doing “really well at home” after spending five weeks at Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry.
She is now encouraging anyone who experiences any symptoms of stroke to seek immediate help.
Constance said: “I was sitting on my couch when I noticed my right arm felt heavy.
“I then made my way to the bathroom to see if my face was dropping and it was, then I tried to lift both arms in the air but my right arm wouldn’t go up as far.
“My head then started to feel fuzzy, so I rang my partner and said I was having a stroke because I recognised the symptoms and knew time was of the essence.
“An ambulance was called and paramedics were with me very quickly and by this stage my right leg had no strength.
“When I reached Altnagelvin Hospital I was to seen very quickly. My CT scan did indeed show I had a haemorrhagic stroke. I was very unwell and spent the next five weeks in hospital.
“The staff in Altnagelvin were amazing and I am so grateful to each and everyone of them.
“I had support from the consultant, nurses, assistants, physio, occupational therapists, dietetics, ophthalmology and OT and support staff.
“They were all very encouraging, especially the physio who really pushed me on.”
She said it was thanks to the Think FAST campaign that she recognised she was having symptoms of stroke and knew to get help quickly. Constance added: “Fourteen weeks on from my stroke, I am doing really well at home.
“I was told that things could have been a lot worse in terms of my recovery had I not have got help as quickly as I did. I would encourage everyone to get to know the signs of stroke and think FAST.”
Consultant Dr Rizeq said: “The stroke team is delighted to see the remarkable recovery Constance has made.
“It is important we see our patients as soon as possible to scan and determine the type of stroke they are having and the appropriate treatment.”