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David’s Story
My accident occurred on 2nd October 1990. I was 44 years old. I had only just had my birthday in September.
I was born in England and came out to Australia, when I was17. I worked as a jackeroo. My pay was only 30 pounds per month, so I relocated to Sydney, where I earned 30 pounds a week at the Colgate/Palmolive factory.
The stroke and recovery became my life reborn again.
I gave up smoking, 50 cigs a day was the normal – a cigarette in my mouth continually, so it was no surprise when they X-rayed me, my lungs were black.
I stopped drinking in the pub after work.
I became conscious in the Flinders Medical Centre. I stayed in the hospital for four weeks, unable to talk. I wanted to say words, but they just would not come out of my mouth.
I was sent to Repat. Hospital and stayed 9 months in the stroke ward, where I had intensive speech therapy. I was adamant I wanted to talk; using hand gestures and a few expletives I was able to achieve daily sessions.
At the Repat, the occupational therapists taught me to cope with daily life on my own.
Eventually they found me a ground floor unit at Marden, where I was able to look after myself with the help of a carer, 3 hours a week and a motorized scooter. My mobile traymobile is a great asset. I can move objects from room to room with my working arm.
The Talkback group at Resthaven Paradise has been a wonderful help. I was an original member. Now I work as a volunteer in the same group, helping people to communicate.
I will be receiving an acknowledgment award from Resthaven for 10 years as a volunteer.
For 18 months I attended the computer club, where I learnt many skills to apply to my home computer. I enjoy searching the internet, currently gaining information on tropical fish.
It has been 20 years since my stroke.
I have changed my address and now live in a purpose built house in Magill S.A. a friendly neighbourhood.
I visit the local older people for a chat in their residential care facility.
My new interest is watching and enjoying tropical fish in a large tank I recently acquired. This is an alternative to watching sport on T.V.
Gardening continues to keep me busy. I have a large collection of pot plants and grow veggies and flowers.
Meeting my friends at Marden each week has kept me in touch with other stroke/accident people. We enjoy sharing our news over a cup of coffee, laughing at each others jokes. We have been together for seven years.
I volunteer at the Talkback office each week, attending to the phone and the computer, as well as volunteering at the Paradise Talkback group.
A carer comes in to help 3 hours a week, otherwise I look after myself, cooking, cleaning, shopping and attending appointments.
I have slowed down in my speech, and want people to talk to me slowly and clearly.