Additional Support for Lorraine Following Severe Stroke

On 21st April 2024, a long and grueling journey began for Lorraine and her family — a journey they are still enduring today.

Lorraine began to feel unwell around 9 PM and was rushed to the Regional Hospital Mullingar. Upon arrival at the Emergency Department, she presented with all the signs of a stroke. Her NIHSS reading was 22, signifying a severe stroke. Lorraine received thrombolysis, a medical treatment used to dissolve dangerous blood clots in blood vessels. Although this was successful, her NIHSS reading remained at 18, indicating a moderate to severe stroke.

Lorraine was transferred to Beaumont, where a thrombectomy procedure began just after midnight. A large volume of clot was retrieved, but the continued narrowing and blockage of the blood vessels complicated the procedure for the neurologist, necessitating nine passes to stabilize her condition.

Post-thrombectomy, a CT brain scan and CT angiogram were performed at Beaumont Hospital, revealing a blood clot in the artery that was not completely blocking blood flow. After ten days at Beaumont, Lorraine was transferred back to the care of the Regional Hospital Mullingar. She spent six long months in Mullingar undergoing various programs and therapies to aid her recovery before being transferred to the National Rehab.

Lorraine finally received word that she would be going to the National Rehab on 21st October, 2024—a long-awaited moment for Lorraine, her husband Ralph, and their son David. Lorraine spent three months at the National Rehab, with Ralph collecting her every Friday evening and bringing her back on Sunday evening.

Lorraine has worked extremely hard with the specialists in both Mullingar and the National Rehab. Because of her sheer determination and willpower, she has realistically overcome a lot. However, for a fit, healthy woman who had just turned 50 two months before her stroke, her whole world has been turned upside down.

Lorraine’s walking is now aided by an Ankle-Foot Orthosis and a walking stick. She can walk short distances (10 meters) with close supervision and uses a wheelchair to allow family and friends to take her on longer walks.

Due to the severity of Lorraine's stroke, her speech has been significantly impacted reducing her vocabulary immensely. For Lorraine and those who know her, the loss of speech has been the biggest challenge. She relies on communication aids, as well as family and friends, to help her communicate and be understood. This situation is very challenging for Lorraine and causes her a great deal of upset and frustration.

A lot of organising and restructuring had to take place to enable Lorraine to return home to her husband, Ralph, and son, David, after her rehabilitation. The bathroom has had to be completed renovated and transformed into a shower room to allow Lorraine her dignity, in a way that fully abled individuals might take for granted.

Lorraine received 2 visits of care a day, which consist of 1 hour in the morning and 1 hour in the evening. Unfortunately, there are days when a carer is not available. With Ralph trying to continue working and David at college, Lorraine who needs extra care, is left without support during the day. Lorraine has started to attend a Day Services in Springfield, but since there is no bus to collect her, she is solely dependent on a carer to bring her to this service.

Lorraine has spent nine months in a hospital setting and will need to continue working diligently with the programs that the National Rehabilitation Hospital has established for her. This includes ongoing Occupational Therapy (OT), Speech and Language Therapy sessions, and appointments with various doctors and specialists to monitor her physical and mental health.

Lorraine has devoted her entire life supporting her family, friends and work, always extending a helping hand to anyone in need, whether in her personal or professional life. A go fund me page has been set up for Lorraine, for additional unfunded care, on-going rehabilitation programmes, and necessary home modifications. These funds will ensure Lorraine's safety, comfort, and dignity in her own home with her husband Ralph and son David.

If possible, please share the campaign link on social media (Facebook, Instagram etc) and with your friends.

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