Strokes are scary. In fact, strokes are doubly scary. I have discovered that more than 100,000 people in England and Wales have a stroke every year. Yes, that's 100,000, which is pretty scary! Of these, more than 90% are over 55 years of age. Hospital life At any one time, there are around 50 stroke patients spread between Draycott and Quantock Wards, here in Weston General Hospital. This seems rather a large number for such a relatively small place as Weston-super-Mare. I assume I'm making progress, as last week I was moved twice in 48 hours. Firstly, I was moved from Draycott Acute Ward to the Quantock Rehabilitation Unit. Then, I was offered a side ward, with just me in it. They did not need to ask twice. Sleep is not something you get a lot of in hospital, but there is a chance in a single room. At least you can shut the door! Stroke reactions One of my first reactions to the stroke was to get a chest infection. This is not uncommon, as the swallowing reflex is often affected by strokes. I was bombarded with antibiotics and fortunately have now recovered. All my food has to be soft, and drinks have to be thickened, to aid my swallowing. I am hoping for a more normal diet in the next week, and can't wait for some chips! Another frequent side effect is the loss of control of basic bodily functions. This has been very embarrassing, as I did have a bad case of diarrhoea due to the antibiotics. It, at last, appears to be clearing - it is being treated with more antibiotics! Nose-picking! Following my stroke, I am paralysed down my left side, with no feeling in my left hand or left foot. Imagine the dreadful prospect of never being able to pick your nose again! As I am naturally left-handed and left-footed, this causes logistical problems with feeding myself with my right hand. Under the guidance of the occupational terrorists (physiotherapists), I have made some progress in the last few days. I managed to stand up straight, to the surprise and delight of the 'terrorists'. I am also able to bend my left knee slightly. It is a great achievement, but I feel so pathetic at being able to do so little for myself. I am still being hoisted in and out of bed. Hope for progress Over the coming week, I hope to be taking my first steps and transferring myself from bed to chair, albeit with help. I know the physiotherapists are hiding all the Zimmer frames from me in case I do myself some harm. I am determined to get out of here to watch Gloucestershire County Cricket Club win their next match! You can read the first and third parts of Mike's diary, as well as some of his reviews, by clicking on the links at the top of this page. | 
