Kilkenny survivor on symptoms are not always easy to identify

In 2021, Fintan Deere, then 61, began to experience tiredness and heaviness in his left hip and leg, which he put down to lack of exercise during the Covid pandemic.

“There was no big bang moment and no classic stroke symptoms,” said Fintan, who shared his story as part of Aphasia Awareness Month.

Aphasia is an acquired language disorder that frequently occurs following brain injury, such as a stroke.

It affects understanding of spoken or written language, including reading and writing or the production of spoken language.

“I had no appetite, felt weak and very tired and began to notice difficulty with my walk,” he said.

“I was very surprised to learn that my blood pressure was alarmingly high and I was advised to go to the Emergency Department.”

A CT scan and an MRI revealed he had experienced an ischemic stroke, and it was suspected that he may have had previous small bleeds in his brain.

“My language, balance and mobility, mainly my ability to walk, were affected and 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.”

Fintan said he faced a number of physical, mental and financial challenges after his hospital release.

“I qualified for no state support services then or now and funded my own physiotherapy and speech and language therapy,” said the former public servant.

“This was onerous, as I had to retire prematurely due to the stroke, and am reliant on my corporate pension.”

“Coping with the effects of the stroke and involuntary early retirement was very challenging mentally.”

“The stroke did not finish me off, I survived, I’m learning to overcome my losses, face my fears about the future and focus on what I still have and work with that.”

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Fintan is now a regular attendee at the Irish Heart Foundation’s Cabra and Crumlin support groups.

“I find it helpful to meet other stroke survivors and compare notes. I enjoy the chat and exercises, particularly the chair yoga.”

He also joined the charity’s Rhythm of Recovery choir, which uses music and voice work to support stroke survivors, heart patients, carers and volunteers in rehabilitation and recovery. 

“Fintan’s story highlights the many challenges of aphasia, which is why the Irish Heart Foundation’s support services are vital,” said Helen Gaynor, Head of Community Support Services for the Irish Heart Foundation. 

“Our Stroke Connect Service and peer support groups are available to anyone who has experienced a stroke and those living with aphasia.”

“Our Step by Step Through Stroke booklet, a helpful guide for stroke survivors, families and carers, helps people to prepare for potential changes due to stroke, such as communication difficulties.”

“We also host the Aphasia-Friendly Café a few times a year, which is an online programme designed for those who experience communication challenges following stroke.”

For more information on aphasia support, and other supports for anyone affected by heart disease or stroke provided by the Irish Heart Foundation, visit: irishheart.ie. 

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