My Stroke A life changing experience By Brian A Beh

In April 2016, my life changed for the better after I had a stroke.

As a 68-year-old retired management consultant and corporate executive, I wouldn’t wish the experience upon anybody, but how I live my life since that tumultuous event makes me a much different person.

Nearly three years ago, on April 18, 2016 I sustained my stroke whilst relaxing at home with my wife, daughter and son-in-law. An ambulance was called and within 27 minutes I was whisked away to a Sydney hospital.

My blood pressure was high and whilst I had some mild facial drooping this soon corrected itself.

I was subsequently admitted to the Intensive Care Unit with no strength or mobility in my right arm and leg, however my speech and mental capability were left unaffected.

Two and a half days later, I was transferred to the stroke ward, where I began a targeted and carefully designed rehabilitation program. Needing to learn to walk again and strengthen my right arm, the ensuing 16 weeks saw me in the hospital’s rehab gym six hours each day Monday to Friday. 

With the help of some amazing physiotherapists, I was able to be discharged some four months later, proudly and elegantly walking from hospital wearing a Studio Italia business suit, tie, cufflinks, kerchief and Bally shoes – no wheelchair or dressing gown for me! This mode of discharge was an objective I made to myself on the first day I was in the gym!

While I left my arduous stay in hospital on my own two feet, I also departed with a new outlook on life. Once a long-term smoker, cigarettes are now a bad habit of the past. Giving up was the easiest thing I’ve done!

A diet high in sugar and salt has been replaced with a stroke–friendly eating regime that sees me 17 kilograms lighter than I was before my stroke.

I’m now a different person with altered priorities and improved tolerance levels. I keep busy intellectually and have given a few speeches about my stroke experience in recent years to Physiotherapy students. I am still a voracious reader, listen to 60s rock, obscure classical music and real American country music!

I hope my story can help people think about their own stroke risk and make some lifestyle changes for the better.