Testimonial

Breast Cancer; Secondary Stroke 

"My name is Annette Tyrikos 

In 2001 I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer which was removed.

Twelve months into my 2-years of cancer treatment I suffered a stroke. Prior to the stroke I had developed chronic ower back pains, which travelled to my neck. 

My husband was sending me to a physiotherapist and masseur.  The pain was getting worse.  My local doctor sent me to get a CT scan, which was reported as normal. Weeks later I was experiencing cramps in my left fingers.

When I was experiencing these symptoms I went to the doctors, which they thought it may have been a tumour due to the Breast Cancer.  He organised for me to see a Neurosurgeon.

That evening when examined by the Neurosurgeon; he admitted me into the hospital straight away. It was whilst in hospital that I suffered the stroke. I had several MRIs, bone- marrow and other various test to determined the cause. They told us that my blood was sticky and my platelets were extremely high, and that may have caused the stroke. But the doctors didn’t no the reason WHY I had the stroke. I spent six weeks in Jessie McPherson Private Hospital. I was then transferred to Brighton Rehabilitation Centre. I spent another six weeks in there. I was determined to get on my feet again. I had lost my independence I had to be in a wheel chair most of the time.

The stroke left me with severe left sided paralysis. My speech was affected to the point I couldn’t complete a full sentence. My speech was a slur. I was told by the occupational therapist that I would never drive again and to consider an electric wheel chair. I was so upset and frustrated in her telling me this. I was determined to prove her wrong.

My wish was to walk out of rehab with out the need of a wheel chair.

Six months later after leaving Rehab I am back on the road driving with the aid of a steering knob.

I am now 36 years old and I want more out of life. My husband and I heard about Hyperbaric Medicine and we spoke to Dr Hooper to see if he could get some movement in my left arm and reduce the spasticity both in my arm and leg.

After doing 52 hours of HBOT I have seen improvements as the following:

• In my walking, I have control with my knee and I don’t seem to swing it out. Also, I am stable on my feet too.

• My circulation of my left arm has improved.

• It has reduced the spasticity in my fingers and at times I get shooting pains in my arms, legs and face (the effected side).

• But I have been told it’s a good sign.

• I am more alert

• Typing with one hand is getting faster (I typed this report!)

• My physiotherapist and I have seen improvements with my muscles. Eg: controlling and releasing them.

• When I am exercising with my stepper I can do, without holding on to the wall for support.

Almost at the 100 hours of therapy and my platelets have dropped and my blood is flowing must better. I am extremely happy. Other doctors don’t know why they have dropped so quickly.

Overall I have noticed all these changes since starting HBOT. 

I am getting better." Annette Tyrikos