"Stroke rehabilitation"

I had two acute strokes and was initially paralysed down my left hand side. At the start, I was devastated but determined to make a full recovery, regardless of the initial clinical assessment of my chances .

Fortunately I was in the care of the physiotherapy team in Ward 7 of Hairmyres Hospital, East Kilbride . 

Within weeks, the team (led by Fiona)had me sitting up and starting to stand. Before discharge four months later, I was walking using only a single pod stick and requiring only supervision (as opposed to support)in doing so .During my 4month, in-hospital rehabilitation, the physiotherapists who worked on me were Fiona, Camila, Agata(?), Amy, Gavin Dorothy and Debbie. Without exception each were exceptional professionals and wonderful caring people. In accordance with my dtrong desire to fully recover they drove me hard and provided physiotherapy which was tailored on a day by day basis to meet my needs and maximise my progress. Although it was hard work, I loved each physio session and I responded positively to their determination to overcome my clinical diagnosis. Further, the team fully engaged with my spouse by both:

 inviting her to attend some sessions and;

 providing us with exercises to do in our own time. 

This encouraged us to take ownership of my recovery and the results were tangible (e.g.)the”in bed” exercises led directly to me being able to lift my left leg unaided. I can’t speak highly enough of Fiona and the team.Not a day goes by without

me being thankful for their care nor 

(2)missing them. Fiona also had the brilliant idea of using my phone as iPad to film some of my walking sessions which meant that, (at the time) I could share in a meaningful way my progress with my friends and family and( now) I have a progress record to reflect upon. I want to make a special mention of

(a) FIONA- for her leadership skills.-( I have never encountered a more cohesive, adaptable, harmonious and organised workplace team)

I want to make a special mention of:Fiona also had the brilliant idea of using my phone as iPad to film some of my walking sessions which meant that, (at the time) I could share in a meaningful way my progress with my friends and family in a meaningful way and( now) I have a progress record to reflect back upon.