Stanley’s story: the power of positivity

A positive outlook can go a long way when you find yourself going through difficult times, and this was brilliantly summed up when a lovely gentleman, who goes by the name “Stanno”, contacted us recently.

84-year-old Stanno has certainly had his fair share of ill-health over the years. Diagnosed with type 2 diabetes aged 68, Stanno succeeded in controlling this by diet for around 3 years until eventually he needed to take medication, including one metformin tablet daily with statins and lisinopril for other aspects.

He has also endured several major operations on his spine and is battling cancer.

“I am a type 2 diabetic and currently undergoing treatment for lung cancer. I have been diagnosed as needing a hip operation, but it has been cancelled three times now as my body is a bit slow in recovering from the removal of one third of my right lung.”

A shock to the system

The reason, it transpires, why Stanno’s body has been slow in recovering from the operation on his right lung is due to a bad fall which happened about a week after being discharged from hospital, causing him to break four ribs and severely damage his shoulder ligaments. It’s an experience Stanno will never forget.

“I was in the garden when I fell half across a path and half on the lawn, very heavily. I felt all my ribs breaking and my left shoulder tearing and laid still for some time until I recovered enough to crawl to a wall where I pulled myself erect, then went into my house to recover.”

Stanno’s wife, also 84, wanted him to go to hospital but Stanno decided to wait until the next day, as he was scheduled for a post-operative check up with his surgeon.

“The following day, the surgeon sent me for an X-ray, found four ribs broken and sent me straight to A & E. I was eventually readmitted to hospital where I stayed for another seven days. The time was spent lying still whilst my ribs stabilised and they checked all my medications to find out why I fell.”

Doctors concluded that Stanno’s dosage of lisinopril was too high, causing his blood pressure to lower too far and therefore bring on dizzy spells which resulted in him falling. His dosage was then dropped from 30mg to just 5mg.

Once in a stable condition, Stanno was sent home to be cared for by his wife and, even though this posed a problem of its own, Stanno always tries to keep a brave face.

“All is not all milk and honey. There have been periods of depression which have only been coped with by the Grace of God, the care of a loving wife and a family who have extended similar care to me. My wife is my principal carer, but she can only go so far as she is the same age as me and has her own share of long-standing illnesses including breast cancer. We are a pair of right old crocks but manage to live independently!”

Learning how to stay mobile

Taking his various health conditions into account it will come as no surprise to learn that, additionally, Stanno has ongoing issues with his mobility.

“I cannot walk very far, anything over a hundred yards defeats me, so I use a collection of miscellaneous walking sticks, as well as a pair of forearm crutches, and a mobility scooter for longer trips. I also have a WAV van converted with a ramp for really long distances.”

Yet despite everything he has been through, Stanno keeps a smile of his face and is determined to stay positive, with a sense of humour about it all.

“I can't grumble. I am 84 years old and still alive! There is always someone worse off than yourself, keep cheerful and as active as possible. Never give up.”

Stanno’s optimism is certainly something to be admired and we thank him sincerely for sharing his story with us.