Michael & Susan

Michael and Susan lived a vibrant, active life. With a property in France and a caravan in Skegness, their lives were full of adventure and leisure. Together, they enjoyed travelling with family and friends and visited many places around the world. That was until 2016, when Michael suffered a stroke. This marked the beginning of a long and challenging journey for him and his wife, Susan. In the article below, Susan shares their experience - reflecting on life after stroke, and how sometimes 'the best views come after the hardest climb.'
The Day Everything Changed
His stroke in 2016 was devastating. We arrived at the hospital super fast and couldn’t fault the care. But Michael had no treatment and after 2 days the stroke progressed. He went from being able to move his limbs and speak to not being able to swallow. I was told the blood clot had moved from the left side of his brain to the front. All we could do was wait.
Rehabilitation and Disheartening Prognosis
Michael was sent to rehab after 2 weeks and spent nearly 3 months there. The prognosis was poor. One professional told me that Michael would not sit up and would need to be hoisted in and out of bed. She suggested we moved house! It was very upsetting as we felt he had been 'written off'.
Eventually, he came home. We had carers to help in the morning and at night. 6 weeks of daily physio followed. The team were brilliant! They managed to get him slide transferring, in and out of the car, and walking short distances with the help of a bungee! After having a stairlift fitted, we got him back upstairs. A bath-lift enabled him to have a bath.
In addition to the physical effects of his stroke, Michael was diagnosed with Aphasia and lost his ability to communicate. He received a 6 week stint of speech therapy, but this was cut short as the group leader felt Michael wasn’t making much progress. Whilst all of this was happening, I was in a daze. Our day-to-day living changed dramatically. If not for close family, I don’t know what I’d have done. There didn't seem to be any support for carers.
Finding a lifeline through Aphasia Support
In the midst of Michael's rehabilitation, I joined a local stroke network group - a working party made up of professionals and people with lived experience. It was here that I discovered Aphasia Support. The charity's CEO, James, told me about their local Aphasia Cafe in Doncaster. We didn't hesitate to join. Years on, Michael still loves going to the cafe twice a month. I think he’s come on leaps and bounds - from not understanding anything, to frequently amazing us with what he says!
On a personal note, I also find the Aphasia Cafe to be so beneficial for me, as a carer. It’s nice to catch up with other group members, share experiences and know you're among people who understand. Aphasia Support offers a lifeline to all, and our experience has been enlightening.
Nearly Ten Years On
All these years later, Michael's right arm still doesn’t work properly, but it's encouraging to see he is beginning to move it. His walking is so much better. We are fortunate to have private physiotherapy sessions, and see the local physiotherapist once a month. The physio said to me "everyone needs a Susan" - despite everything, Michael never gave up, and neither did I. Advocating for your loved one is really powerful. I am so proud of Michael. It’s been a long road, but looking back... the strides he has made are phenomenal.
Enjoying Life Again
We try and get out out as much as we can. Michael loves meeting people, which is why he enjoys the Doncaster Aphasia Cafe so much! If we're not cruising, you might find us in the theatre. Michael enjoys a good sing-a-long. It still amazes me how he remembers all the words to the songs, yet he still calls everyone 'Susan.' For people with Aphasia, music is a phenomenal experience - it brings so much joy as it uses a different part of the brain. More recently, Michael has learnt how to draw with his left hand. He loves sharing these drawings with his friends at the Aphasia Cafe group, and everyone comments on how talented he is. It brings him lots of peace to be 'in the moment' and we're all so proud of everything he achieves.
A Message to Other Carers
There is life after a stroke, don’t give up. To the carers - you are not alone. There are local groups who will help you. I sometimes think 'he who shouts loudest gets the help' - it shouldn't be that way, but I really encourage you to talk.
Our journey has been long and at times hard. As my sister-in-law said: "The best views come after the hardest climb."