"An unexpected 3 month journey"

One evening a few months ago, my arm wouldn't move and I had pins and needles running its length. I cautiously I stood and collapsed back on the bed. I woke my fiance to tell him I was having a stroke and we needed an ambulance.  I am an independent adult and am not elderly. On assessment, I was taken hastily to Fiona Stanley ED. The paramedic was in contact with the triage nurse and lead doctor during the journey making arrangements in case I needed an emergency procedure. 

I was immediately assessed by nursing and senior medical staff and a code stoke was activated. This critical assessment series was undertaken in an efficient, swift and caring manner by all involved. Unfortunately, my partner was left in the waiting room with no updates which distressed them.

Once the diagnosis of a bleed had been made (in consultation with various FSH senior doctors and specialty team based at another hospital), I was seen by the Neurology Registrar, who was just as open, clear and compassionate as the ED senior lead, keeping me completely informed of plans, results and decision making.

A decision regarding which hospital I was best admitted to was required.  While I demonstrated an obvious bleed on the scans, there was also a possibility of an unknown lesion or mass. As such, while in the cubicle with me, the Neuro Reg phoned the admitting consultant and it was mutually agreed the initial focus was the bleed as I now had no movement at all in any part of my left upper arm from the neck down.

Fortunately, a bed was available on the neurology ward and I was immediately transferred by a very kind, gentle and empathetic porter.

The care I received in FSH ED was outstanding, particularly while I could hear many other patients being, in my opinion, demanding and abusive. What a team. I can not thank them enough.