Stroke survivors hail new recovery scheme
Ruth and James back on their feet thanks to programme
her recovery she then suffered a second stroke just six weeks later whilst still in hospital.
This time she was left with both physical and communication difficulties.
She has since regained much of the function in her right arm and leg but has been unable to return to the same line of work.
She has been making use of ‘My Stroke Guide’, the Stroke Association’s self-management tool accessed online to help people with their recoveries after a stroke.
Ruth is now exploring all avenues to get back to work and to keep herself stimulated. She is working for Oxfam, goes to the gym regularly and is writing a children’s book.
Ruth said: “I think the Moving Forward After Stroke programme is a great idea and I believe people are benefitting from it.
“I do feel the exercise has helped improve my mobility and it’s been great meeting people who have gone through a similar experience.”
Stirling man, James Boyle, has also been benefitting from the programme after he suffered a stroke on Christmas Day at the age of 51. He couldn’t talk or walk and his son, a trained first aider, immediately recognised that he was having a stroke and dialled 999.
James got to hospital quickly, received a brain scan and was transferred to a stroke unit. James’ mobility was affected by the stroke, as was his ability to communicate.
He said: “You know what you want to say, and you think that you’re saying what you mean to say, but the words don’t come out as they should. It is the most frustrating thing. I was devastated.”
But he reckons that the programme has been a huge help on his road to recovery.
He explained: “The programme has been good for both my physical and mental health.
“It’s great to feel more active and I now go to the gym regularly.
“The information session on nutrition has made me take positive steps in my diet and I’m encouraging my kids to eat in the same way.”
For further information about the programmes or about how to be referred contact Friederike. Klinghammer@stroke.org.uk or call 07799436030.
The Moving Forward After Stroke programme is a great idea and I believe people are benefiting from it. I do feel the exercise has helped improve my mobility and it’s been great meeting people who have gone through a similar experience
The programme has been good for moth my physical and mental health. It’s great to feel more active and I now go to the gym regularly. The information session on nutrition has made me take positive steps in my diet