He described a ‘heaviness in his left hip and leg’, and as it was during COVID, he put it down to a lack of exercise. During an online appointment with his GP, they discussed his symptoms, which were not alarming as Fintan had always been healthy, was not on any medication, and had a history of normal blood pressure. His GP’s advice was to do nothing now, but if symptoms changed, to contact him.
Later that month, Fintan was in Donegal on a week’s holiday with his partner Majella, and while there, his health began to get worse. “I had no appetite, felt weak and very tired, and began to notice difficulty with my walk”. Majella was very concerned, so they returned to Dublin, where she brought him immediately to a clinic to get checked. After various medical tests and a blood pressure check, Fintan was told he had very high blood pressure.
I was very surprised to learn that my blood pressure was alarmingly high, and I was advised to go to the Emergency Department as a matter of urgency. I was still feeling fine.
Further tests were carried out on Fintan in the hospital, including a number of physical tests. “I remember being asked to raise my arms, push my arms against the doctor, and similar tests with my legs, make various facial expressions, and being asked numerous questions.” Fintan was 61 at the time, and much to his shock, he was admitted to hospital a few hours later. A CT scan and an MRI revealed he had experienced an ischemic stroke. It was suspected that he may have had previous small bleeds.
This came as a huge surprise to Fintan and to those who knew him. “There was no big bang and no classic stroke symptoms. My language, balance and mobility, mainly my ability to walk, were affected. I needed a walking stick to move about. One day merged into another with various consultants and tests, a short stay in ICU, physiotherapy sessions, and six weeks later, I was discharged.” His hospital stay was very difficult. “I had not been in hospital since childhood, and remember it was Covid, so no visitors. Majella was allowed a short visit while I was in the ICU.”
After being discharged from hospital, Fintan continued with a short number of physiotherapy sessions, but it also became apparent to him that his speech was a bit impaired and that he needed advice and assistance. “Friends didn’t comment, perhaps too polite to mention it.”
Fintan “qualified for no State support services then or now. I funded my physiotherapy and speech and language therapy myself. This was onerous as I had to retire prematurely due to the stroke, and I am reliant on my corporate pension”. Fintan had worked as a Public Servant, mainly in administration, and also did some journalism on a freelance basis. This also came to an end.
Coping with the effects of the stroke and involuntary early retirement was very challenging mentally.
In 2022, during a routine check-up, a neurology consultant advised Fintan to put his affairs in order because of his neurological condition and the risk of future bleeds. This was a shock; however, he did as he was advised. With Majella at his side, he spent months on a legal journey dealing with solicitors and oceans of paperwork. “Majella and I had known each other for a number of years and were good friends. I decided to take the big step of asking her to marry me. On getting over the surprise of the proposal, she said yes. We then embarked on another journey, preparing for a wedding. On the 9th of December 2022, we tied the knot in the Registry Office on Grand Canal Street, with a small number of friends. We celebrated afterwards in Hugo’s Restaurant on Merrion Row”.
In a fortunate turn of events, Majella had been volunteering in stroke support services and the Irish Heart Foundation for almost 20 years, having become involved after her own mother had a stroke. She was originally involved with the Irish Heart Foundation’s in-person Stroke Support Groups in Dundrum and Crumlin and now continues to volunteer with the Cabra and Crumlin in-person Groups. Majella has been a huge support to Fintan and was keen that he join a support group, as over the years she had seen the benefits stroke survivors gained from such groups.
Fintan is now a regular attendee (online and in-person) at the Cabra and Crumlin Groups. “I find it helpful to meet other stroke survivors and compare notes. I enjoy the chat and exercises, particularly the chair yoga. Sonia, the coordinator, is helpful and charming”. Being part of these groups has given Fintan a sense of reassurance and support. The best advice that he has received is “not to lose hope and to stay positive.” Fintan has also participated in other stroke support services provided by the Irish Heart Foundation, including online mindfulness, yoga, and exercise classes.
Don't lose hope and stay positive
Fintan joined the Irish Heart Foundation’s ‘Rhythm of Recovery’ choir last year. The choir was established in 2022 and uses music and voice work to support stroke survivors, heart patients, carers, and volunteers in rehabilitation and recovery. People can come together to use music as a tool for healing and support. Fintan had never been involved with a choir, or sung in public before, but now looks forward to the weekly rehearsals and the opportunities to perform throughout the year. “The breathing and vocal exercises at the start of the session are helpful for my speech. The choir recently entered the Novartis Ireland Patient Choir Contest. We did not win, but it was the taking part that mattered. It was great fun meeting the other choir members in person at the live recording.” The choir performed an original song called ‘Vision’ which was written and arranged by Orna Tully (Stroke Services Co-ordinator with the Irish Heart Foundation) and the Choir Master, Kevin McNamara.
Recently, Fintan has participated in the Irish Heart Foundation’s Aphasia-Friendly Café, “Orna, the Café Manager, is particularly well informed, diligent and provides tips for use in everyday communication. I have learned a lot and it’s been a great opportunity to connect with other stroke survivors from all over Ireland”. Aphasia is an acquired language disorder that affects approximately a third of all stroke survivors. The Aphasia-Friendly Café, which is an online programme for those who experience motor speech disorders following a stroke, is a safe, friendly and informative platform where members can learn new strategies to enhance their communication.
Fintan, who is originally from Kilkenny, loved travelling, “particularly around Ireland, visiting tourist attractions, gathering information about our history and culture. However, my reduced mobility has curtailed this activity. I now move very slowly and need a rollator to help me get around, even in the house. I still manage to do these visits when circumstances permit”.
Fintan remains positive about the future and is very proactive in managing his condition. “The stroke did not finish me off, I survived, I am learning to overcome my losses, face my fears about the future, and to focus on what I still have and work with that. “
The Irish Heart Foundation has been a great source of support to Fintan. He feels that the help he has received is invaluable. His advice to others is to “network and get out and talk to people, whether that’s in person or online. There’s a lot of help available through the Irish Heart Foundation. Join a Stroke Support Group or the Aphasia-Friendly Café. Or being part of the choir is definitely a good thing”.
2025-06-20
