John, 81 from Anstruther, had a stroke on the 4th of August this year. He was sitting at home when he started to feel a strange sensation on his face – it was completely numb.
It was only when John’s wife, Nancy, saw what was happening that they realised it was serious. Nancy was familiar with the FAST test which helps to identify the signs of stroke. Thanks to Nancy’s quick thinking, they were able to get help and John was taken straight to hospital.
“If it wasn’t for Nancy spotting the signs of stroke, I don’t think it would’ve occurred to me that it was an emergency. I only had slight symptoms and I wasn’t in any pain or discomfort really, so I’m lucky she called for help straight away,” says John.
Because they acted FAST, John is now recovering well with support from Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland – although he does still feel wobbly on his feet and sometimes struggles to get his words out. But he is so grateful that Nancy knew what to do.
“I don’t know what would’ve happened if Nancy hadn’t immediately phoned for help. I might not be able to walk and talk like I can today so I am incredibly lucky,” he adds.
John and Nancy know first-hand just how important it is to act FAST to improve someone’s chances of recovery from stroke.
To find out more about the signs to look out for, visit: https://www.thinkfast.org.uk
