Reclaiming independence: Sam’s journey from stroke to strength
Life changed in an instant for Sam Purvis when she had her stroke.
For someone as active and outgoing, the most difficult thing was her loss of independence. As a specialist paramedic for over 30 years, Sam was used to being the one showing care, compassion and empathy to others through her work.
Outside of the job she loved, her life was full, fun and hectic. Married, with a son of 15, family life was busy and her many hobbies included netball, swimming, jogging and walking the dog.
But all that changed when she underwent surgery to repair an unruptured brain aneurysm and sustained a bleed during that surgery.
Sam felt she had been robbed of her purpose in life but was very motivated to regain her health. “I worked hard and remained focussed on my recovery, but I hated having my independence taken from me just like that. I was so used to helping others in their time of need that, after my stroke, I felt worthless and terribly sad at not being able to do that anymore.”
Keen to do everything she possibly could to improve her life, Sam continued researching what was available to support people recovering from a stroke. She discovered the Chilterns Neuro Centre website and found several people in chat rooms who mentioned the Centre too. Sam visited as soon as she could. She was not disappointed.
“I nearly cried when I went to look around. This was the answer to my prayers. Everything you could possibly want, all under one roof! The Centre had a family feel and everyone was so friendly and helpful.”
Finding the Centre would enable Sam to overcome some of the many challenges she was facing.
“At that time, the hardest thing was learning to cope with the difficulties a stroke brings with it – emotions, speaking, limbs not doing what they should, sleep problems, fatigue from doing things that would ordinarily require very little effort, losing my driving licence, forgetting things.”
“At the Centre I’ve had physio, Pilates, hydrotherapy, counselling and occupational therapy. I’ve even found a new hobby – playing Boccia – and of course I enjoy socialising with others over tea and cake!”
“Coming to the Centre changed my life, and with everyone’s support I gradually got some of my enthusiasm back. I started to become the ‘old/new’ Sam.”
Practical advice from the Centre also helped Sam get her driving licence back and regain some more of her independence.
“I’m now driving again and have a new part-time job. I still miss my paramedic mates and the paramedic sense of humour – you can’t beat that – but I have new people to work with now and they are a great bunch.”
“I’ve also invested in an Ice trike which I highly recommend!”
“These are all really beneficial things I’ve achieved. If I hadn’t had this opportunity and support network, I think I would have ended up in a really sad place, because I wouldn’t have been able to achieve the things I can do now.”
True to form Sam was keen to give back to others as soon as she could. “I did my first sponsored walk since my stroke, at Windsor, in the pouring rain! It was only 1km but it felt fantastic. I also volunteered at some fundraising events and it was a great experience helping out as a volunteer, as I felt I could give a little back.”
“I will continue to improve – I’ve got two surgeries soon to help with my foot and hand. I love driving, so it’s great to be able to do that and go out and about with my son and have some fun times.”
Sam credits the Centre with helping her retain her positive outlook in difficult circumstances. “I try to remain upbeat and positive about my stroke. It has taught me a lot about myself, but I definitely wouldn’t have been so positive without the help of the Chilterns Neuro Centre.”
“I would 100% recommend the Chilterns Neuro Centre to anyone who has had a stroke. I can’t recommend it highly enough and I think it needs to be brought to the attention of all patients and families in local hospital Neuro wards. I would have loved to know about it earlier.”
“With the support of the Centre, I have my independence back and I don’t have to ask as many people for help now. I can go back to looking out for others, whenever I can.”
If you’ve experienced a stroke, or you have MS or Parkinson’s, and feel you would benefit from the services offered by the Centre, or you know someone who would, then please get in touch by phoning 01296 696133 or by emailing info@chilternsneurocentre.org