Cath’s Blog

cath atkin

Hi and welcome to my blog. My blog dates back to early 2013 when I suffered a stroke and records my journey and experiences as I progressed through my recovery and beyond. I have tried to share my thoughts and feelings and convey the highs and lows of life after stroke and coming to terms with a serious health condition. I hope my writing manages to inspire you in some small way and you continue to enjoy following my journey as it unfolds ……….

Appointment at London Bridge Hospital

Appointment at London Bridge Hospital

February 13, 2014
Sarah came in with me because I have been really struggling with my words and if he needed information from when I had the stroke on holiday she had been there. Professor Khamashta really lovely.  He asked lots of questions about what happened and also my medical...
Can someone explain why APS makes me feel the way it does?

Can someone explain why APS makes me feel the way it does?

February 11, 2014
I have been struggling to get an idea of what this blood disorder is about. No-one can tell me why I feel rough much of the time, why I get these panic attacks, I get breathless, exhausted and really painful acid reflux as the doc calls it. So I decided to make an...
3rd Session with Martin

3rd Session with Martin

December 19, 2013
3rd Session with Martin Had another skype session with Martin today. He is a fabulous mentor.  Really pushing me to develop myself and my own healing and knowledge of my mind and body. Interestingly, I didn’t realise that the brain uses glucose when thinking...
First Session with Martin

First Session with Martin

October 23, 2013
First Session with Martin Tonight I had my first session with a mentor called Martin Wyse. I’m at my friend’s house, because I’m away on holiday tomorrow morning (woohoo!), so I had to do the session by phone rather than Skype. I basically had a chat with Martin about...
Malta here we come…

Malta here we come…

October 22, 2013
Hoorah! I’m off on holiday again. Very mixed emotions about this though because the last time I was on holiday I had the stroke.  I haven’t done any proper travelling since and I am feeling a bit panicky.  I have been trying to use my mind power to try and keep calm...
OMG I have to drive!

OMG I have to drive!

October 21, 2013
OMG I have to drive! I always used to love driving. I have driven so many miles over the years, from north of Scotland to London regularly.  Sometimes I would be hitting over 1000 miles a week.  Loved it, put the music on and woohoo here we go. That was often when I...
Stroke Gym – how to bring down the class average!

Stroke Gym – how to bring down the class average!

October 16, 2013
Had my first appointment at the stroke gym today. Wasn’t sure what it was going to involve apart from doing some of the exercises I did at the intro assessment. Well I met a few other people who had also had strokes. Many, to look at, I would never have said that they...
I got the giggles – bad!

I got the giggles – bad!

October 10, 2013
I got the giggles – bad! Yes, in my wisdom I went and booked presentation training. Why on earth would I do that? My idea was that I have done public speaking before but now I’m not sure how to do it and I struggle to get the words out I need. I’m just not sure...
Starting stroke rehab

Starting stroke rehab

October 2, 2013
Starting stroke rehab My first stroke rehab session at the Cardiac Unit today. Apparently I get 8 sessions at the rehab gym to work on building strength, co-ordination etc. I did a heap of different exercises but nothing that I would say was really strenuous. I found...
An alternative way to sort my head muddle!

An alternative way to sort my head muddle!

September 5, 2013
An alternative way to sort my head muddle! I had another appointment today – wow I think my life is full of appointments these days. This time it’s on my terms. I have been trying to work with the difficulties I am having in getting my words out or making sense of...