Miracle recovery for Rotherham stroke driver

A RACE against time led to a "miracle" recovery for a stroke victim who had revolutionary clot-busting treatment.

Anthony Pike (56), was driving his car when he began feeling the symptoms of a stroke and was rushed to Rotherham General Hospital.

Medical staff decided to treat Mr Pike using Thrombolysis which works by dissolving any blood clots which might restrict blood flow to the brain but patients must be treated within three hours for it to be effective.

And thanks to the swift actions of hospital staff, Mr Pike has made a "fantastic recovery."

"I feel brilliant, just like my old self," he said. "I was initially sceptical about this treatment but I am really glad that I had it and I would recommend it to other stroke patients.

"I knew that I was having a stroke as my leg and arm started to go numb and I couldn't talk to anyone, I have had one before so I knew the signs".

Recovery time for stroke patients can take weeks or months but Mr Pike was able to leave hospital the day after his stroke and will need much less rehabilitation to help him back on his feet.

Nurse Jo Howe said that she was amazed by his progress and added: "It is amazing how quickly he has improved.

"It is a miracle for him, and it is great we can treat people with this drug in Rotherham as they have more chance of a good recovery."

Doctor Bill Gibson, stroke specialist, added: "We only have a small window to administer this treatment but it is revolutionary because it has been shown to significantly reduce disability in patients and has given them better and faster recovery."