Sunday 31 March 2013

Annual winter break

Two weeks ago we set off on our annual holiday with our local Cricket Club: this year's destination was Sofia, Bulgaria.
This in itself proved to be a challenge as the group had to convene at 3.00am for the transfer to the airport.
Mount Vitosha
 

Collecting hot water
View from hotel room
 On the first full day the group visited Mount Vitosha and watched  children who were learing to ski. The weather was beautiful, far better than the weather that we had left behind in the U.K..
I managed very well for the three full days that we were there: we travelled by local tram wherever possible. The pavements left a lot to be desired with missing manhole covers and some that we not fitted correctly. Our arrival back home was heralded by further bad weather and our journey from the airport proved testing.
The week after our return was very busy and included a trip to the theatre, an acupuncture appointment and also an invitation to attend a Stroke Rehab Group at the hospital where I received my treatment. Our family are staying for a few days over the Bank Holiday weekend.
 All of this has now taken its toll. I am now exhausted and must have enforced rest. This has happened previously and makes me very emotional. I also get the sensation of "ticking" in my head which is a true sign that I have overdone things - I treat this as a caution. As much as I would like to think that I can carry on in the same way before my Stroke I know that I cannot. It is an intermittent source of frustration, but I take the opportunities as they arise, and I am thankful for everything that I have achieved so far.


Monday 4 March 2013

Stroke Association's Information, Factsheets and Campaigns

Act FAST: Recognise the symptoms of a stroke

The FAST test – FACE, ARMS, SPEECH, TIME – identifies the most common symptoms of a stroke in three easy to recognise categories.

Facial weakness: Can the person smile? Has their mouth or eye drooped?
Arm weakness: Can the person raise both arms?
Speech problems: Can the person speak clearly and understand what you say?
If you see any one of these three signs, it’s TIME to call 999. Stroke is always a medical emergency.
Calling an ambulance means that the paramedics can decide which is the best hospital to take the patient to. With a stroke, time lost is brain lost, so the quicker a patient arrives at a specialist unit, the quicker they will receive appropriate treatment and the more likely they are to make a better recovery. If you suspect a stroke, always dial 999.
You might spot FAST on the TV or online during the month of March 2013. The Stroke Association is working with the Department of Health to make sure as many people as possible know to Act FAST to save a life. Watch the Department of Health's advert below.
More from the Stroke Association
Find out how to prevent a stroke or get involved with our prevention campaigns:
Know Your Blood Pressure and Ask First