Editor's Note: the following is the true life story of a local resident who has suffered the effects of a stroke and has benefited from the new stroke program implemented in the Sunrise Health Region. Her story was read at Monday's celebration.
Greetings Honorable Don McMorris, Saskatchewan Heart and Stroke Foundation delegates, Sunrise Health Representatives, Ladies and Gentlemen.
I am honored to be here to speak of my experience with the Sunrise Health Region Integrated Stroke Strategy program. Congratulations on the grand opening of your new Stroke Rehab Unit. It is a real asset to have a program of this nature in Yorkton. It has been, and will be, much appreciated by those who need its services. I was one of them.
My name is Esther Sawchin. I am 78 years old and I have had two strokes. I am blessed with a devoted husband and five wonderful children whose love and caring have played a critical role in my recovery.
I had my first stroke on May 20, 2009. My husband Jim, had left for the day to visit family in Regina. I was happily planting flowers in the garden. At noon, I went in the house to get ready for an appointment. I started to feel dizzy and I couldn't fix my hair. I sat down to wait for it to pass, but it didn't. I called my daughter-in-laws parents; but all they heard was me mumbling. I suddenly couldn't speak. They came right away and took me to the hospital. had they not been home I'm sure I would not be standing here today telling you my story.
I was transferred from Melville to the Yorkton Regional Health Centre ICU. Once I was stabilized, I was transferred again to the Wascana Rehab Centre in Regina.
I stayed at Wascana from May until the end of July. While I was there I received excellent care from the rehab team. But it was so far from home and quickly became a burden for my family to travel so far and be away from their own homes and families. I was happy to return home.
I had my second stroke on November 23, 2009. This stroke was more severe. It took away all my speech, my ability to swallow (I had to be fed by a stomach tube), the vision in my right eye, and left me very weak on the left side of my body. I was again transferred from Melville to the YRHC ICU. This time though, once I was stable enough, I became a patient right here in the Sunrise Stroke Rehab program at Jowsey House. The facility was beautiful. I had my own room and private bathroom where I could practice all my rehab exercises and activities. It was like being at home! The staff were fabulous: the nurses, SCAs, Craig the dietician, and all the therapy staff - Lorinda, Lynnae, Jennifer and April. Everyone worked very hard with me, helping me to relearn how to get myself ready for each day.
They helped me walk safely, taught me to manage around the house and how to swallow again. But most importantly, my family was able to be with me every day as I was so close to home. Having them actively involved with my rehab program made all the difference to me. Their support and encouragement were invaluable.
Once I was well enough to return home, I continued my therapy as an outpatient. Today I am able to walk without a walkers, I am able to do most of the things around the house that I was able to do before. I am able to swallow again and am almost done with my tube feeding (...I am down from seven cans of formula a day to one can...) and my speech is getting better too.
Thank you to the whole team - you are much appreciated by me and my family.
Thanks for listening to my journey. Stay well and God Bless.
Sincerely, Esther Sawchin.
