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I was contacted by a gentleman who has recently suffered a stroke, as a result of which, he had had to reassess all aspects of his life. If you are subscribers to our monthly ezine (and if not, why not??), you will have seen some humorous bedroom tips he has sent in, proof that he has been able to maintain his sense of humour at this very difficult time. Ian Holt had set up his own website covering this subject, but, unfortunately, this no longer appears to be on line. He has very kindly given permission for us to reproduce some of his material on Hints and Things.
This time last year I had no idea what the future would hold in peoples daydreams they only ever have nice thoughts. Who would have thought that I would have to learn to walk again that I would have to give up work that I would cry when watching a film, that I would detest the taste of beer. Incapable of even walking the dog, even holding Mo in my arms That I would have to give up driving and even worse that Mo would be my driver. That I would now be sleeping alone, that I am incapable of holding a knife and fork me the guy who last year could have done any maintenance in any building the type of person who had been so useful in a crisis. That some of my friends and colleagues would have deserted me when the going got tough for me. Lots of things change, who knows the hand that fate may deal in the next decade, year, month, week, day, hour, or even minute. We only hope that fate will be good, never daring to think the unthinkable. When it does go wrong it is so difficult to accept why me is the often-heard cry. I lost the skills I had; I lost my independent life, I lost what I thought were friends when they deserted me, and when they were needed I lost the love and taste of anything alcoholic I lost the three times a week pie and chips I lost the ability to tear a sheet from a toilet roll or a postage stamp from a book of stamps. I lost the macho man image I had Although I lost so much in some ways I gained more than I lost I can possibly do more with one hand arm or leg than I could have done when I had two. I have found true friendship from quarters I would not have dreamt of; fickle friends have gone for to them I have nothing to give them anymore, so I am of no use to them. I gained skills I did not have before Computer skills I gained e-friends from other parts of the world. I gained new friends in the new circle I was in I gained the knowledge although I had been blighted I was not as bad as some. I gained the art of patience [well nearly] I gained a sweet tooth My health has gained for since the day of the stroke I have not smoked my wealth must have increased to. Had I carried on smoking I would have spent £1756-00p on cigarettes Had I carried on liking a drink it would have cost me approx £500-00 Had I been driving and putting petrol in my car £700-00 But then again there’s the price of the Horlicks! So over the next year there is only one way to go.
I am sure you will agree he is an inspiration to us all. Tip received from Mike Palmer, who has also had the misfortune of suffering a stroke.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION Early diagnosis and treatment after a stroke can make a considerable difference; professional treatment received within three hours of the stroke can sometimes mean the effects can be totally reversed. It is, therefore, imperative for us all to be aware of how to recognise when someone has, in fact, suffered a stroke as the symptoms are often mistaken as a dizzy spell, too much alcohol, or a trip. There are 3 easy steps; please take a minute to learn them as it could make all the difference! If there is any likelihood that someone may have suffered a stroke, as them the following questions:-
If they have trouble with any of these tasks call emergency immediately and describe the symptoms. My thanks to Angela Davey for sending in this very important information.
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