PJ felt “on top of the world” after stroke trial
PJ Wymbs was “on top of the world” after his participation in the IT trials.
He had a stroke on 1st April 2016 and it affected his left side, his arm and leg being significantly weakened. This is his story: “One of the physiotherapists at the hospital asked me would I take part in this experiment with Daniel and Monica.
“So they came out to my house six months after the stroke, last November. They came three times a week for four weeks. Each session lasted 45 minutes and involved mirror therapy with strength training.
“You sit at the table and you put your right arm into the device, do their exercises and focus on the mirror.
“The mirror is tricking your brain into thinking that your left hand is working. I did the same with my leg.
“I could find my left side improve after three treatments.
“I was hoping the HSE would get involved in follow- up strength training – if something like that could be going it would be great for people with stroke.
“Before the treatment I couldn’t lift a full cup of tea, I’d be afraid it would fall. After the treatment, I had so much control I could lift a cup and lift on and off the hand break in my car perfectly after it,” he told The Sligo Champion.
Has he continued doing exercises himself since the experiment finished?
“It’s not as simple as just looking in the mirror,” said PJ.
“Some people would say you would make it worse if you didn’t know what you were at,” he said.
He was checked three months after the trial finished. While everything was ‘ OK’ but he claims he has noticed some weakness returning.
“I would go anywhere to do it again if I got the option. I would have a bit of a limp in my leg, dragging it, I can walk 50m at a time. It has a little bit of weakness in it again,” he said.
“Immediately after the experiment, it probably wasn’t at full strength but it felt like nothing had happened to me, it was that good,” he added.