Russell - Interview 42
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Russell had a stroke in 2006 which he feels may have been caused by stress, as at the time it happened he had moved into a house that needed a lot of renovations and he was doing a lot of the work himself. Following the stroke he was left with some mobility problems and short term memory loss. Although he recovered well from the stroke, more recently he experienced two TIA episodes during which he felt dizzy, his legs felt weak and he was unable to speak coherently. After the second TIA he was admitted to hospital where he stayed for five days, and again, although he has recovered well, he is left with some permanent disabilities including slurred speech, hearing and memory loss and weakness on one side of his body.
Russell takes a very positive outlook on life and despite the limitations that he faces has found new ways to keep himself fit and healthy - including swimming, walking and playing bowls. He has also become involved with the local branch of the Stroke Association and joins in activities with other stroke sufferers. He believes that the kind of health issues that he has experienced are inevitable as one gets older, but nonetheless feels it is important to make whatever adjustments to your life that you can to enable you to continue to lead a fulfilling life.
Russell was confused and felt that something was wrong. He had problems walking and stayed in hospital until he was able to go up and down stairs on his own
Russell was confused and felt that something was wrong. He had problems walking and stayed in hospital until he was able to go up and down stairs on his own
Russell is an active member of his local stroke support group and as well as it helping him, he feels he also contributes to helping others
Russell is an active member of his local stroke support group and as well as it helping him, he feels he also contributes to helping others
I am a great believer in stroke people getting together and, and helping each other and I am a member of the Stroke Association and we do find that we do benefit from these sorts of get togethers. But not only that, I feel that I can contribute to these gatherings.
Russell accepts that at some point in the future he may have to stop driving permanently
Russell accepts that at some point in the future he may have to stop driving permanently
Russell has a list of his medication written on a neck tag in case he is taken ill suddenly
Russell has a list of his medication written on a neck tag in case he is taken ill suddenly
I was on medication before because I had experienced heart troubles so I was, I was on medication but it was obviously boosted up when I went into hospital, hospital with, with the stroke. And that’s continued to this day.
Russell has had two TIA's following his stroke and thinks that as he gets older he is likely to have further incidents. He is determined to do what he can to reduce his level of risk for as long as possible
Russell has had two TIA's following his stroke and thinks that as he gets older he is likely to have further incidents. He is determined to do what he can to reduce his level of risk for as long as possible
Russell' Since I’ve had the stroke I’ve had two episodes, haven’t I really? And I do accept that I am going to have more. And I do accept that I shall get worse and more disabled.