Hi, today marks one year since I had a stroke and it seems a poignant time to tell my story. I was lucky in that it was fairly mild and didn’t affect my mobility but I appreciate that so many of you have been affected much more seriously with long term problems.
I didn’t recognise the symptoms initially, my speech was slurred but I had been experiencing dental issues and put it down to that. It was my husband who noticed that my mouth had dropped a couple of days later. Initially, it was a scary time, I lost all my confidence, was very emotional and suffered from anxiety. Thankfully, I have made a good recovery, not quite 100% but good. Unfortunately the local stroke unit left much to be desired,. I never saw an NHS neurologist, just two telephone consultations, and being told during the first that he didn’t think I had suffered a stroke! However, I was fortunate to have private medical insurance and was able to have tests and a diagnosis and to see a neurologist. I did see an NHS stroke nurse eventually who was very good, as was my GP.
I count myself as lucky and I hope this gives those in a similar situation encouragement and I wish all of you recovering from a stroke strength, hope and love xx
Hello Jill - It’s very nice of you to come and give an update on the anniversary of your stroke. Perhaps you had cause to celebrate?
I think all strokes, whether mild or not are problematic and cause all sorts of concerns and issues to those you survive this non-discriminatory health problem.
Perhaps it is easy for me to say, but I think any recovery you make has to be good.
It’s pleasing to know you feel your recovery is good, though not quote 100% and hopefully with time it will be 100% 
It’s nice that you have posted on here in the hope your story may encourage others and I am sure it will
As you have done very well in your recovery, is there anything that you did that you feel may have aided your recovery? Are there things that you did that others might be able to do to improve on their recovery?
Thanks for sharing and your words of support and encouragement.
Hi Gill, thank you for sharing your recovery journey. So pleased to hear that you have recovered so well and your post will be a great inspiration to others in our community.
Thank you for your words of encouragement and support.
Regards Sue
Hi, thank you for your response and good wishes.
I have been lucky to have a supportive husband who drove me to many appointments when I didn’t feel I had the confidence to do so. Also my family and friends have been great.
Having never had any experience of strokes, each feeling and emotion was new and I didn’t know what was a normal reaction and what wasn’t. Reading posts on here helped. I also felt angry and confused. I will admit to being older but was otherwise fit and healthy, exercising regularly and with an active and healthy lifestyle. However it seems strokes, like other illnesses don’t discriminate!
It’s hard to be patient but every small step is a step forward and it helps to have someone who will just listen when needed.
I hope this helps others x
Thank you for your reply, Sue. I hope it helps others x
@jill28 the one year point is definitely a poignant moment. I hope you have been able to use it to reflect in a positive way.
It sounds like you are getting on well and that will give hope to many who are just starting out on there journey.
Here’s to getting the remaining few percent back in the next few months so you reach 100% pre stroke levels.
Best wishes
Ann
@jill28
Very important day for you. One year on from when your life changed forever. Take each day as it comes, embrace the new you and accept the old you will never be back. Good luck 
& best wishes 