I was on holiday in Malta when I had my stroke. After a short stay in a hospital in Malta (where the staff were brilliant), I was taken back to the UK by air ambulance. As well as a stroke, I also had a heart attack and pneumonia.
I stayed in the hospital for over three months before going home. My wonderful husband helped me with my rehabilitation. I had to learn how to walk and talk again. I did not recognise my husband or children for a while as I could not remember who they and other people were. It was a very scary and confusing time.
I started attending Headway Luton when it was based in Cardiff Road. It was a really small group at first but as time went on, more and more people started attending.
They then got a bigger building where we are now in Alma Street.
At Headway there are lots of activities to choose from such as cooking, cognitive work, art, handwriting, English, problem solving, physical exercise and much more.
The staff here are very friendly and helpful and you can go to them if you have problems. They also take into consideration your personality and interests and are always thinking of activities that suit your abilities and needs.
The physical effect of my stroke is that I have one sided weakness. I use a wheelie walker to support myself when getting around. One of the hidden effects of my stroke is that I now have epilepsy. Staff here are great because they can tell when I am about to have a seizure and sit with me until it passes.
I think that I am one of the clients who has been here the longest, around 16 years I think. I mainly attend Headway to get out of the house and be with people who understand me. I love meeting people and have made lots of new friends.
