The day a simple task became impossible - By Graeme Cocks

I pride myself on being a fit man in my 70s. I’m a retired Business Consultant and cycle up to 180 kilometres a week to keep active and healthy.

It came as a complete shock when my health took a dramatic turn in May this year. I was performing the simple task of sharpening the kitchen knives, when I found myself unable to lift my left arm.  Suddenly I had this dead weight on my left side. I had to use my right hand to lift up my left. I was stunned, what was happening to me?

Realising something was terribly wrong, I called triple zero (000) and as I was speaking to the operator, my words began to slur. It became clear I was having a stroke.

I kept apologizing to the emergency response operator as my verbal skills started slipping away. The operator registered what I was experiencing and remained very calm while sending an ambulance.  

I was taken to hospital and treated for what turned out to be a small ischaemic stroke. My wife and I were both very frightened by the incident but were also grateful it was a mild stroke. Remarkably, within an hour my speech had returned.

I was incredibly fortunate to make a good recovery and did not need any physical rehabilitation post stroke. 

I’ve since had many conversations about my stroke and was surprised to learn from some of my friends that they wouldn’t have thought to call triple zero. I want people to know, from my experience, that you have to take symptoms seriously - even if they seem mild. Stroke strikes the brain and there is no time to waste.

The faster you seek help, the better the chance of your outcome. Call triple zero if you don’t feel well, it could save your life.

I’m pleased to say, I’m back on my bike, enjoying life and training for the 2020 World Masters Cycling race in Vancouver! My wife isn’t too keen on me pushing myself, but I know what makes me feel better and no stroke will stop me from reaching my goals.

Photo: Survivor Graeme and stroke nurse Lucy