Les’s Journey: From Stroke to Strength

How Carers and family helped Les rebuild his life

Before October 2020, Les was the epitome of health. A dedicated runner, he regularly participated in half marathons, taking pride in his fitness and rarely needing medical attention. Life was active and fulfilling—until one fateful day when everything changed.

In October 2020, Les was at home with his wife and daughter when disaster struck. After hearing a strange noise from the bathroom, they noticed that Les had been in there for a while. When they checked on him, he couldn’t respond properly, unable to form coherent sentences. Alarmed, they called for an ambulance. Les was rushed to the hospital, where doctors confirmed he’d suffered a minor stroke.

While undergoing a brain scan, Les suffered a second, much more severe stroke. A blood clot in his brain had haemorrhaged, leaving him critically ill. This was a shock for his family, who had always known him as a healthy and fit man.

Les’s condition deteriorated rapidly. He was placed on life support and spent weeks in the High Dependency Unit (HTU). He couldn’t speak, swallow, breathe, or even open his eyes. His family was told that he might survive, but he would likely never regain his previous quality of life. Walking, talking, and simple tasks were deemed almost impossible.

Les’s family refused to give up hope. His wife, remained optimistic, believing that with small, consistent goals they could improve his situation. They knew it would be a long road, but they were determined to give it everything they had.

The role of carers in his recovery

A crucial part of Les’s recovery journey was the support he received from professional carers. When Les was finally discharged from the hospital, he needed around-the-clock care. After searching on the Internet for specialist after stroke care at home they found Novus Care.

At first, he had two carers visiting four times a day to assist with everything—from transferring him using a hoist, to helping him eat, drink, and manage personal hygiene. The carers played a vital role in ensuring that Les was comfortable and safe, and they worked closely with his family to maintain his physical and emotional well-being.

The carers’ expertise was invaluable during the early stages of his recovery, as they provided specialised care that his family wasn’t equipped to handle alone. They helped him navigate the challenges of daily life while creating a routine that Les could adapt to as he gradually regained his strength. Their presence not only offered practical assistance but also allowed Les’s family to focus on being emotionally supportive, knowing he was in good hands.

Gaining Independence

Les’s background as a digital engineer, known for problem-solving, also came into play during his rehabilitation. One day in rehab, Les found himself stuck in his wheelchair, unable to reach the bell provided to call the nurses. Rather than panic, he used an iPad to video call his family, who immediately alerted the staff. His ability to think on his feet, even in such difficult circumstances, became a hallmark of his recovery journey.

Slowly, Les began to recover some of his abilities. The constant support from his carers, combined with his family, helped him regain strength and mobility. At first, the carers had to assist him with almost everything, but over time, Les gained the ability to sit in a chair and perform small movements. His carers gradually reduced their visits as he became more independent, though their support remained essential during this transitional period.

Les and his family relocated to a more accessible home, making sure their new house could accommodate his evolving needs. Les began neurophysiology sessions, which became a turning point in his rehabilitation. The doctors initially believed that his left leg was beyond repair, with the nerves destroyed. But through persistence and innovation, Les found ways to engage his muscle memory to aid his recovery. His wife, always thinking creatively, suggested Les “push down on the clutch,” referencing his muscle memory from driving. This technique helped him complete exercises that seemed impossible at first.

Working towards a goal

A major source of motivation for Les was his goal of walking his daughter down the aisle at her wedding. The wedding, was postponed to give Les more time to work toward this goal.

However, with the help of his carers and the use of a gutter frame, a walking aid, Les began practicing at home. Each step was a small victory, and by the wedding day, he achieved his dream: walking his daughter down the aisle. It was a moment of pride not only for Les but for everyone involved in his recovery, especially his family and carers, who had supported him every step of the way.

Setbacks and Strength

Les’s journey was not without its setbacks. He faced multiple bouts of sepsis after his strokes, which meant he had to slow down and restart his progress each time. However, through these difficult moments, his carers and family provided ongoing support and encouragement. Their “can-do” attitude and positivity were instrumental in helping Les maintain his focus on recovery, even when the road ahead seemed daunting.

The professional care Les received made it possible for him to achieve milestones like sitting on a toilet instead of using a commode or being able to get into a car again. His carers worked closely with his rehabilitation team, ensuring that every aspect of his care was aligned with his goals and progress.

The power of support networks for Stroke Care

Les and his wife believe that their strong support network—including their family, friends, and carers—was key to his recovery. The carers not only provided physical support but also gave the family peace of mind, knowing that Les was in the hands of trained professionals. This allowed his wife and family to focus on encouraging him emotionally and staying optimistic about his progress.

Moving Forward

Today, Les continues to make strides in his recovery. He uses a quadruped stick to walk and can independently move from his chair to the front door. Though his journey is ongoing, his progress has been remarkable. He stays mentally sharp by watching game shows with his wife, often beating her to the answers. They even pause the show to give him extra time to think, helping him regain his cognitive abilities.

Les’s journey from a fit marathon runner to a stroke survivor is a testament to human resilience. His story demonstrates how crucial the role of carers, family support, and access to resources can be in a recovery process. With determination and a strong support network, even the most daunting challenges can be met and overcome.

Looking for at home stroke care?

At Novus Care, our at home stroke care services lets you live the life you want at home.

Live life independently like Les. To find out how we can help care and support you or a loved one on a short or long term basis – call our friendly team today on: 0800 138 4030 or email: [email protected]