Ken’s story

What happened?

I can clearly recall having the ischemic stroke. I am retired and was working In my garage workshop, and suddenly realised that I was having difficulty seeing what I was doing. It was as if a dark cloud had passed in front of the sun and a curtain was being lowered in front of my eyes. I was very disoriented for a moment until I established it was only my left eye that was affected. I returned to the house and, fearing I was experiencing a detached retina, I asked my wife to immediately bring me to the Emergency Eye Clinic at the Mater.

As Covid restrictions were in force at the time some delays were understandably experienced gaining access without a referral letter. Once admitted I received a very thorough eye examination and assurance that it was not a detached retina and dispatched to the general emergency department for immediate attention. Although having to wait my turn for a considerable time during which I had a brain scan, I was eventually seen by a very kind and considerate doctor. She informed me that as her diagnosis was that I had had a stroke, I was being admitted overnight for medication and observation.

I don't think I would do anything differently except perhaps, being more aware of stroke symptoms now I would call an ambulance to expedite my hospital admission.

Biggest challenge

I consider myself very fortunate as I only had an eye stroke and no other faculties were affected. My eyesight was compromised in that I have lost some vision in my left eye but my right eye and brain compensates generally.

The biggest challenge overall was my self confidence. I feared doing things alone, going for a walk, shopping, travelling alone and especially driving again.  

Although re-medicated and still under the care of the StrokeLINK, I still worry if I'll have a reoccurrence of a stroke when I'm out alone.

Living well

Slowing down, relaxing and having less stress are goals I try to strive for but hard to achieve.

Stroke advice

Be patient, trust your medical professionals 

I loved reading to relax from daily stresses but initially, because my eyes took months to fully readjust, I found it difficult to read or even watch TV. Friends advised me to listen to Podcasts which became my new method to relax.

StrokeLINK service

The StrokeLINK team was my life line to recovery, the fact that help in any form was only a phone call away was of immense comfort and reassurance. From the time that I received the booklet my self confidence was re-established, and after I got the initial call from my stroke nurse I could see recovery on the horizon.

Through StrokeLINK I felt that a professional carer was interested in my case, and that all the advice I received was based on the experience of the stroke medics treating stroke survivors.

StrokeLINK was also practical whenever I needed help with making or changing appointments.

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