I am sorry that I have not written in my blog as much as I would have liked to but I have had a life changing experience. On the 16th May I suffered a mild stoke and on the 17th May a more significant one. I am a little vague over the details but after going to A & E at 3am on the 16th, I was sent to the Intensive Care Unit at the General Hospital and was placed onto a ventilator. I stayed there for about a week and then to the High Dependency Unit until I finally went to ward 33 where I made a little progress. After a week or so, I was transferred back to North Tyneside Hospital to ward 22 which is the stroke rehabilitation ward were much more significant progress was made. After almost 13 days, I was gratefully allowed home on what they call a "facilitated discharge" which meant nurses, physio's and occupational therapists started with 3 visits a day down to 1 visit 3 times a week and eventually no visits at all.
I have not wanted to hear any of the details about my condition throughout my illness but lately, my curiosity is making a comeback and I have been asking questions and receiving some rather uncomfortable answers.
The reasons for a stroke are many and varied and a conclusive reason cannot always be given. However, I am fairly sure of the reasons that may have contributed to me being suddenly struck down by this most devastating affliction. My previous post mentioned a small dog, a Chihuahua which at the time was a few weeks short of being one year old. She is my daughter's dog and I was dog sitting for a few weeks. I never wanted a dog least of all a 'soft' Chihuahua but I have to admit that I was rather besotted by her. To cut of some very unpleasant details, she was attacked by a Staffordshire Bull Terrier that appeared from nowhere and I ended up on the floor grappling with this excuse for a dog. This, I think, may have been the cause or at least a contributing factor and the consultant had the same idea.
Anyway, small dog survived and so did I although I think my scars may be greater and last longer!
I am eternally grateful to everyone who cared for me but some people stand out. They are my 2 daughters who must have suffered hell when I was ill and no one really knew if I would pull though. And also to my other family and friends (one came all the way from the Bahamas) and workmates, all of whom have visited me in and out of hospital. Work have been great and I cannot wait to get back to those red squirrels although, alas that may take a little while longer.
There is no promise to write each day but I will write sometimes. I sorely miss going out to the Dene and other places to see my beloved birds and other wildlife so don't have as much to say. Maybe I will get around to adding those photos I meant to!
I have not wanted to hear any of the details about my condition throughout my illness but lately, my curiosity is making a comeback and I have been asking questions and receiving some rather uncomfortable answers.
The reasons for a stroke are many and varied and a conclusive reason cannot always be given. However, I am fairly sure of the reasons that may have contributed to me being suddenly struck down by this most devastating affliction. My previous post mentioned a small dog, a Chihuahua which at the time was a few weeks short of being one year old. She is my daughter's dog and I was dog sitting for a few weeks. I never wanted a dog least of all a 'soft' Chihuahua but I have to admit that I was rather besotted by her. To cut of some very unpleasant details, she was attacked by a Staffordshire Bull Terrier that appeared from nowhere and I ended up on the floor grappling with this excuse for a dog. This, I think, may have been the cause or at least a contributing factor and the consultant had the same idea.
Anyway, small dog survived and so did I although I think my scars may be greater and last longer!
I am eternally grateful to everyone who cared for me but some people stand out. They are my 2 daughters who must have suffered hell when I was ill and no one really knew if I would pull though. And also to my other family and friends (one came all the way from the Bahamas) and workmates, all of whom have visited me in and out of hospital. Work have been great and I cannot wait to get back to those red squirrels although, alas that may take a little while longer.
There is no promise to write each day but I will write sometimes. I sorely miss going out to the Dene and other places to see my beloved birds and other wildlife so don't have as much to say. Maybe I will get around to adding those photos I meant to!
4 comments:
WELCOME BACK CHRIS! Being a totally disorganised soul at times I did not read my latest issue of Red Squirrel project news and only learnt of your illnes last week. Until you are fully fit again and back at work I'll try and put as many photos of our Reds (yes, plural) on the Bag End blog as I can. Blondie has now been joined by Newbie and they both say "hi" (well, they would do if their pretty little mouths were not full of nuts). big hugs, Bilbo
Thanks for your oomments, I certainly need them. Have been reading your blog and all about your delightfull reds - long may it continue
I'll do my best to oblige! Had a really good view of Blondie's tummy this morning whilst she was snacking on peanuts - she is definitely "she" (I remember your comment much earlier in the year about rows of nipples all the way up the belly). Short of taking away the peanuts - which would not be fair on the Blue Tits, Great Tits, Coal Tits, Long Tailed Tits and other who eat them - there seems to be no way of stopping Blondie and Newbie eating the darn things, and there is a lovely big box of fresh hazelnuts just behind them. Actually, they do eat (or bury) the hazelnuts but they definitely like peanuts as well. Hope you're continuing to feel better. hugs, Bilbo
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