2 minute read
A kind of magic
Meet the stroke survivor praised by medics for his dogged determination to get well.
As a former lifeguard trainer, Andy McNicholas knew the signs of a stroke. Then one day it happened to him. Read how a team of experts and his own inner strength have worked their magic.
On Halloween last year Andy McNicholas went for a walk, took a nap – and had a stroke.
He recalls events. “I’d walked five miles, felt fine and went for a sleep. As I woke and tried to stand up, my leg felt numb and I fell over. I tried to get up but I couldn’t move. Then embarrassingly I lost control of my bladder. I knew the signs - I’d had a stroke.”
Andy’s initial panic was replaced by a need to get help, but he was paralysed down one side. He dragged himself to a phone and called an ambulance. Hospital staff worked swiftly to prevent potentially life threatening fatal blood clots and Mersey Care’s Early Supported Discharge Team
Rinta Yuvaraj, Early Supported Discharge Team Clinical Lead praises Andy’s determination.
“Improvements in the brain happen quicker when we get quick, responsive, intensive therapy. Andy wanted to get well and worked closely with us, taking on suggestions but then researching for himself. He’s brave. He wants to get well. That’s his magic.” worked with him for six months at home, providing physiotherapy, occupational and speech therapy.
Andy is open about mood slumps from losing his independence. But true to form he’s found a solution.
“I hadn’t realised how long getting my driving licence back would take. I love being in nature and being immobile was depressing. For the sake of my mental health, I bought a mobility scooter. Now I can go to parks and shops up to five miles away.”
He’s finally looking forward. “Although the therapy has been hard work and I’ve had setbacks, my positivity has improved tenfold.” Now that’s magic.
