In 1983, Bernadette Quinn had been experiencing headaches the whole day, later she was told she had suffered a stroke.   

In 1983, Bernadette Quinn was going about her normal day at home with her four small children -the youngest child was 1 year and 7 months, and the eldest was 6 years and a half. Bernadette, who was a young mother at the time, along with her children walked to her mother’s house which was a short distance away.   

Bernadette had been experiencing headaches, ‘I was getting headaches but never passed any remarks. I had a strong headache the whole day.’   

After returning home, putting the children to bed, and sorting clothes for school the next day, Bernadette and her husband, Michael settled down to watch the replay of a GAA match on TV and then went to bed.  

‘My headache was still throbbing so I took two Disprin, but got sick so I knew they wouldn’t work, and I took two more, but I didn’t feel right.’   

Michael, whom she has been now married to for 48 years, alerted a neighbour, who went to get the Doctor. The Doctor later sent out the ambulance and after being admitted to a Dublin hospital, having multiple tests and a brain scan, she was told she had suffered a stroke.   

Bernadette had left side weakness, poor vision in her left eye and said her speech was ok but had some confusion at times.   

Rehabilitation really helped with physiotherapy and occupational therapy for a few months.  Bernadette was very focused on a goal of walking up the aisle on July 22nd as Maid of Honour for her sister Betty’s wedding. The evening before the wedding, Bernadette took a wobble, but succeeded in her goal and was delighted to be part of Betty’s big day.   

Getting back to normal life was challenging for Bernadette – but she said, ‘my children were the four best physiotherapists and occupational therapists you could ever have.’   

‘We had to get on with it – my left leg was stiff and the power in my left arm and hand was weak. ’   

They had to learn how to do a lot of things – my eldest son learned how to tie his shoelaces and then had to tie everyone’s shoes. They helped me in any little way they could.  I had a lot of help from my husband and my family.    

In 2019, Bernadette was working in a women’s centre in Longford where she had earlier completed a two-year course.   

She said: “I experienced weakness in the left arm and some fatigue. I thought it might be an injury from using a garden strimmer.  

“I was admitted to the hospital after tests and eventually a scan. Nothing showed up on.

“The scan – they didn’t think I had a stroke, but I knew as my left arm was still very weak. I insisted on physiotherapy and occupational therapy as that had worked so well for me before.   

“I was lucky too because the occupational therapist ran a 6-week course in 2020 and it just finished before the lockdown. While I still have some lack of coordination and loss of feeling in my left hand, I have learned to adjust and change how I go about my daily life. The hardest thing to carry or hold is something light.”

In 1983 Bernadette remembers just being given a leaflet, when leaving the hospital. She was linked with physio and occupational therapy in St Joseph’s Hospital for several months.    

15 years after her stroke, she saw an ad in the newspaper about the Irish Heart Foundation’s in-person stroke support group opening in Longford. “It took me a while to pluck up the courage to go. It was heaven – to go in and meet other stroke survivors.   

“I also realised that the fatigue was related to my stroke from listening to others speak about their strokes. It was great to know I wasn’t on my own anymore. The Irish Heart Foundation was a lifesaver. It was brilliant to have them.   

“I still attend the group; I’ve used the Nurse Support Line and I’ve done various courses with the Irish Heart Foundation; the Patient Champions Programme, Peer to Peer support course, and friendship call to other more recent stroke survivors. 

“I wish there was someone there for me when I needed it. The people I speak to feel alone, and they don’t know where to turn. I encourage them to contact the Irish Heart Foundation and to join a local stroke support group.   

 “When I was leaving hospital in1983, the doctor said to me: ‘I don’t want you leaving here and spending the rest of your life worrying about another stroke. It might happen and it might never happen. Go out and live your life.’ These are the words I have lived by, and I appreciate all that life throws at me. I take the good with the bad.”   

Bernadette now enjoys many hobbies, like crochet, gardening, walking, and visiting neighbours and grandchildren.  

Bernadette said having goals to work towards keeps her going. She recommends other stroke survivors to have goals to work towards in life.   

“I had my sister’s wedding – that motivated me. Then I had my son’s communion and I wanted to be able to walk well into the church. Have goals to work towards – it helps.”   

“When I first made contact with the Irish Heart Foundation stroke support group. I found a safe place where I could share my worries, and anxieties and be able to share my stroke story with others, I didn’t feel so alone. Not having these services would lead to a lot of isolation, depression, and even further strokes. It’s vital that the Irish Heart Foundation receives sufficient funding in order to provide vital services to heart patients and stroke survivors.