My ‘migraine’ turned out to be a stroke
ANURSE has told of the “huge shock” of learning what she thought was a migraine turned out to be a stroke.
Lydia Johnson, 29, of Hesketh Bank, had initially refused to seek medical treatment despite her own training.
But the next day, she found herself in A&E and, following a CT scan and an assessment, was given the devastating news that she had had a stroke.
Lydia said: “I felt ill while at work with a bad headache and dizziness.
“As a migraine sufferer, I thought I just needed to get home, take some pain relief and rest in a dark quiet room, so that’s exactly what I did.
“My husband Rob came home from work later that afternoon and noticed something was different this time. I was difficult to rouse and my speech was delayed and jumbled. He was concerned. I came around a little more, and I also recognised something was unusual.
Her symptoms included severe pain on the left side of her head, loss of vision and she was also struggling to communicate.
She said: “Looking back, I shouldn’t have been so stubborn and should have sought help straight away. But I was adamant Rob didn’t take me to hospital or call 999 as I felt it would pass and I didn’t feel it warranted an ambulance or an A&E visit.”
Lydia added: “This came as a huge shock, and even more so when they told me the stroke had actually happened a little while ago, earlier than my recent symptoms. It was a bit of a puzzle to the doctors but they were glad it had been identified.
“Although I was in denial for many weeks about being diagnosed with a stroke, reality hit as I went through further investigations and appointments and I was so thankful that it had been recognised.”
She suffered the stroke two years ago and, determined not to be held back by what happened, she will take part in her first Resolution Run in aid of the Stroke Association this year.
Lydia will join other survivors, family and friends to complete the fun run, which gives participants a choice of distances between 1k and 5k, in Liverpool’s Croxteth Country Park on April 19.
She said: “Although my stroke has had little impact on my abilities and independence, it has had quite a significant impact on my health.
“Physically I can struggle with fatigue and shortness of breath at times, as well as pins and needles to my affected side.
“I am just very thankful I am well supported, especially by my husband.
“We have even just had our first baby, our daughter, Norah, which is a miracle in itself. My family and friends are also a great support and I have found comfort in my Christian faith too and support from church.
“I am proud to join the resolution and run the Resolution Run as a stroke survivor. I hope to raise at least £250 for the Stroke Association to help other survivors rebuild their lives after stroke.
“It was through their website and Facebook page I found stories similar to my own and realised I wasn’t alone in my experience as a younger person.”
Hannah Traynor, regional
psychological fundraiser at the Stroke Association, said: “Stroke recovery is a marathon not a sprint. And each recovery is as individual as each survivor. That’s why we’re encouraging people to join our Resolution Run in Liverpool and raise vital funds for the Stroke Association.
“Life after stroke is different for us all, but there is one way we can stand together. The Resolution Run is the perfect opportunity to mark a milestone in your own stroke recovery, show your support for a friend or family member affected by stroke, or in memory of a loved one.”
Entry fee is just £15 and runners can choose their distance from a range of distances depending on location.
Walk or run, all participants will receive a medal waiting at the finish line.
To join the resolution, visit www.resolutionrun. org.uk, email resolution@ stroke.org.uk or call 0300 330 0740.