My Story – Harrogate Hospital

chattycaz22 Comments

I arrived at Harrogate Hospital I think around 11.30am. My colleague had come with me in the ambulance and my partner was following.

I have some memory of what happened when I got there. Two of my colleagues were there and my partner.

I remember seeing a doctor, I think he assessed me at first. A med student also came to assess me.

I think they did tests for stroke; stick your tongue out, smile, put your tongue in one cheek then the other, lift both arms. At the time I managed to do all these things and my speech was ok.

At some point I went for a chest x-ray and managed to walk there and back.

The doctor came in at another point and asked me to explain what had happened. He’d asked my colleagues and partner to step outside at that point.

I told him my story mentioning that my speech was slurred on 2 separate occasions earlier in the morning. That I was saying the words I wanted to but they didn’t sound clear and that I also tipped my water in front of me whilst trying to drink.

I can’t remember exactly what time it was, however, I think I remember him saying that it could be a TIA “mini stroke” and that we were waiting for a CT scan.

I remember one of the paramedics came back to check on me and was going to come back again but I didn’t see her a second time.

Around 1.30pm (I was reminded but my partner was just about to leave for a doctors appointment) I was given an aspirin to drink. My partner had stayed with me and not gone to his appointment.

I tried drinking the aspirin and on my left side it was dribbling out of my mouth. My partner helped me sit up in case it was that. In a split second the whole of my left side had gone. I couldn’t move my left leg/arm at all and couldn’t keep myself sitting upright.

I couldn’t tell you what was going through my head at this point. My partner shouted of the doctor so he could see what was happening. I think my partner said I just went very quiet.

I was told I was being transferred to LGI (Leeds General Infirmary) straight away. I waited a short time before some paramedics came and I was then blue lighted to LGI.

22 thoughts on “My Story – Harrogate Hospital”

  1. Thank you so much for sharing all this, it’s such a bitter sweet read. Amazing you’re doing so well and able to now write about it all but so horrific that you had to experience it all. I’ve been thinking of you since I first heard about it.
    It certainly does make you value life and be grateful for what we have and not take anything for granted. xx

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  3. Caroline, thank you for writing this account of your experience. Sounds very frightening. I think it is so valuable to hear first hand accounts of events like yours. The insight is hugely valuable to many people. Well done. Best wishes and speedy recovery x

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  6. How scary it all must have been for you Caroline! Great idea to blog about it. I was saying to your dad, it would be great if you felt up to translating the blog into some YouTube videos, telling of your experience and fight back in person. Your positive outlook in such adversity would be inspirational for others! We’re keeping you in our prayers! Xx

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  7. A truly terrifying experience but what a brave, strong woman you are to share this and help others to understand that a stroke can happen to anyone. Keep writing because your recovery has been truly remarkable and inspirational.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  8. Your story is thought provoking. A good reminder about life and how to live it and you value you all in it. But also a reminder to observe your body own body and when something doesn’t feel right- get checked asap. Thank goodness for the people around you at work and in the hospital for getting you the support when you needed it. I wish you a speedy recovery and i wish you well in accomodating this new experience into your life. Be kind to yourself. Remember there will always plateaus in recovery. keep going.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  9. Well done for getting started with your blog, my Lovely. It’s reading really well – what a superb honest account of what must have been a terrifying experience. Keep writing – it’s therapeutic and will help you as well as others xxx

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  10. It was so lovely to see you today & to know you are being so well looked after & supported by Rob & your family.
    You are a very brave lady and your recovery is amazing.
    You’ve been through such a traumatic experience but the “teacher” in you wants to share and make others aware, which is very inspirational.
    Keep your chin up & keep moving forward.
    Lots of love. Xx😘

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  11. Thanks for opening up about your experiences. It gave me a greater understanding of what a stroke is. Wishing you a speedy recovery and I look forward to further updates. Regards Millsey x

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

Leave a reply to Janet List Cancel reply