The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Call for equality in access to support
Ruth Ironside, of Stonehaven, had a stroke during the night at her home on August 16 2016.
The Lathallan primary school teacher lost control of the left hand side of her body and spent a month learning to walk again at the acute stroke ward at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
Although her speech was not affected, she underwent intensive physiotherapy before spending a further 10 days at Woodend Hospital in Aberdeen.
Ruth explained she had no warning she was about to have a stroke.
“I had been swimming at the outdoor pool in Stonehaven – I even went down the chute for the first time in 40 years.
“I did three triathlons the year before and thought I was fit and healthy. There was nothing to tell me anything was wrong.
“I was given physio every day. It is very sad when I hear of people without any access.
“The chest, heart and stroke team I had looking after me was absolutely amazing.
“My stroke nurse visited me at home and got me involved in a stroke exercise group.
“I was able to meet other stroke survivors, some my age, some older. We were able to talk and didn’t feel quite so alone.”
Ruth had the support of her husband Gordon, son Gregor, who was 19 when she had her stroke, and daughter Katy who was 16, along with her colleagues.
She added: “I was bewildered. “The fact the stroke team have held my hand has been amazing – why shouldn’t that service be available for everybody for such a horrific and traumatic experience?”