"I had a stroke"

In Jan 2026, I suffered a left Basel Ganglia stroke. I believe it occurred at work and because the effects were moderate, I was able to continue and finish the shift. I felt no obvious change, but during a conversation with a work colleague, I couldn’t articulate my speech. 

After discussing the symptoms with my wife I decided to go up to Adult Emergency where after explaining what was happening they admitted me straight away. I ended up spending 6 days and underwent scans and testing mostly brain and heart to determine the extent of my stroke.

Waiting for the results of my tests and scans I experienced fear of what the results might be and confusion of what each scan or test was for. I relied completely on my wife during this process.

When I was finally discharged it was such a relief to get home but I was still confused about making and keeping appointments for various scans and blood tests.

I still have to get the all clear from my Neurologist and that’s causing some anxiety, but I’m so grateful for the care I received while in hospital.

The nurses were so upbeat and supportive and patient. There was still more support when I left the hospital with a 6 week exercise and diet program, and speech pathology sessions that proved invaluable, again the staff running these programs were supportive and friendly and knowledgeable.

My rehab will be ongoing and forever changing, but through the care and support , I have the tools to help myself .

I’m forever thankful for the great care and kindness shown to me by the staff at the POW Hospital and of course my wonderful wife.