Stroke victim urges men to keep a checkon their health

Brian thought he was perfectly healthy until on January 31, at the age of just 22, he suffered from a stroke.

“I was at a friend’s house when it happened,” explained Brian. “I got a really sore head above my right eye, then I dropped my glass of coke and my speech started to slur. I just thought I wasn’t feeling well so I went home.

“My mum called the out of hours doctor and he said it was a migraine and to go to bed but mum insisted on taking me to the Lagan Valley Hospital. Within ten minutes they realised I had had a stroke caused by a brain bleed and high blood pressure.

“If I had gone to bed that night I would never have woken up again.”

Brian was in hospital for a week whilst tests were carried out. His family were told to prepare for the worst, that he would be lucky to survive and if he did he may suffer brain damage. Luckily, Brian pulled through and, although it took a few months for his strength to return, he is now back to work and is grateful for all the support he has received.

“Everybody has been so supportive,” continued Brian. “My church, family and friends have all been praying for me and I really believe it is the power of prayer that got me through.”

Brian is encouraging men of all ages to make sure they have regular check ups with their doctor. He has also realised the importance of diet and exercise so he has joined a gym and has already lost two stone.

“Even if you think you are perfectly healthy and think you are fine, go to the doctor and get a check up. Strokes are something you associate with older people but they can happen at any age so it is important to get your blood pressure checked as well. It doesn’t even hurt,” he added.