In comparison to my 2023 that never was (link), let’s look at what was.

It set off ok, battling some mental issues relating to impending surgery stress. Doing better, hitting a peak with fitness.

When I did get the admission call (link) life would never be the same.

A stroke at 36 was not on the cards.

Intensive care is a memory I don’t have (ptsd my psychiatrist suggested as the reason ) but remember being very scared and angry I couldn’t move, the Acute stroke ward has some memories buried away but again mostly just scared and Angry.

Getting to my local hospital was a great thing, it felt an achievement to get into less high level care and as if there was some hope for me.

Initially I ended up quite ill there with a medication reaction I need to elaborate on in another post (imagine those sea side crane machines but with a young man hanging from it with liquid shit everywhere)

Physio started there and despite initially not even being able to sit up by the time I left I’d learnt standing up again, some basic step like movements even if it needed huge amounts of help.

Then home was a huge turning point, the better comfort and sleep made a huge difference to give my body the push so my walking improved quickly and things that I needed that had been slow like toileting returned too.

Physio and OT carried on for a while often in my home.

We started going out for meals, to the pub, visited friends overnight and me and rich even did our planned staycation which was wonderful.

Later on I trialled a leg FES device (link) which was the push I needed to get walking long distances over different surfaces and made a huge difference to my confidence and life.

So while it’s been the most destructive year of my life and I still have a lot of work and a lot of concerns about (tiredness, work, driving, arm usage, travel) heading into the future. I need to be pleased of what I did achieve and feel loved with the huge support I’ve had, if you’ve been here with me, thank you so much! I’ve needed and appreciate all the love.

Let’s start 2024 as fresh as can be, with more plans for arm rehabilitation and strength building, Im hoping to get more independent and keep building on this strong foundation I now have. We have holiday plans and a potential pivot into vlogging on YouTube not just here and instagram

Best wishes and love for 2024.

Ben (stroke and mirrors)