Case Management - Roger's Story

Although Roger initially walked away from the accident, he soon began experiencing severe headaches and fatigue. Multiple visits to the hospital offered no answers for some time. Then, one night after a dinner dance, Roger collapsed at home, leaving his wife, Gill, to find him unresponsive and call for an ambulance. A hospital scan revealed the culprit: a stroke caused by a brain clot. Roger was rushed to the hospital for emergency surgery. To reduce brain swelling, a significant portion of his skull had to be removed, and he then underwent what became the first of many gruelling operations.

Before the accident, Roger, an active 51-year-old, enjoyed cycling, photography, and golfing. He ran a successful company with his dad and led an energetic lifestyle with his wife Gill of 23 years, their two children, and Coco, their devoted English Springer Spaniel. Roger’s recovery path was gruelling. Between 2011 and 2015, he battled through eleven surgeries, facing infections and setbacks along the way. Initially, Roger had carers, but independence was a priority. He found accepting help challenging, so Gill and Roger devised a system. Gill would take care of the children’s morning routine and school run before Roger woke up, allowing her to manage both family needs and Roger’s, striving to maintain a sense of normality.  But this demanding change in life circumstances was proving stressful to the whole family.

In 2018, ILS Case Management was instructed to support Roger and his family. The introduction of Elaine Cook, Roger’s case manager, was a turning point in his recovery. Despite some medical professionals offering a bleak prognosis, Roger’s determination was unwavering, and he has made phenomenal progress against the odds. Elaine’s expertise and dedication have been instrumental in helping Roger regain his independence and pursue his passions. Roger and Gill say she has been a constant source of support, guiding the family through the complexities of rehabilitation and ensuring Roger’s goals and interests remain at the forefront of his recovery plan.

Roger’s love for sports and outdoor activities has played a crucial role in his rehabilitation. With Elaine’s support, he has been able to resume golfing and cycling, activities that bring him immense joy and a sense of freedom. Roger’s determination is evident in his achievements, such as breaking his course record at a new golf course and completing the London to Brighton cycle ride with his support worker, Paul – a fellow cycling enthusiast. This feat raised nearly £2,000 for the Berkshire MS Therapy Centre, which has been a crucial part of Roger’s rehabilitation journey, providing specialist facilities for therapy. This accomplishment was particularly significant considering the initial prediction that Roger would be wheelchair-bound forever.

Roger’s daily routine now includes regular walks with their dog, Coco, and cycling trips with Paul that cover 70 to 80 miles a week. These activities not only aid his physical recovery but also restore a sense of normality and enjoyment. Roger’s positive outlook and focus on what he can do, rather than what he can’t, have been key to his progress.

With the help of, another support worker, cooking has become another passion for Roger, allowing him to contribute to family life and giving Gill a much-needed break. His support worker also takes Roger to his weekly sessions at the MS centre for oxygen therapy. These sessions, followed by cooking at home, have become an established routine. Oxygen therapy has been particularly beneficial, helping with cognitive symptoms, fatigue, and pain, significantly aiding Roger’s recovery. As Clare from the MS centre notes, “We love having Roger at the centre. He’s a great personality. He’s really friendly, really bubbly, and it’s great to see that oxygen therapy has made such a difference to his recovery.”

With this team approach, Roger is able to continually progress at the right pace for him and in whatever way he wants to.  This empowering approach to his recovery and continuing rehabilitation clearly suits him as he continues to smash each goal he sets for himself.

Elaine reflects on her time working with Roger, noting the mutual respect they have for each other. Their relationship is built on trust, and together, they navigate the challenges of Roger’s recovery, always focusing on Roger’s goals. Elaine shares, “He’s such an inspiration. I think nothing’s a challenge to Roger, and he completely knocks it out of the park to be fair.”

Kevin, one of Roger’s support workers, highlights Roger’s positive attitude: “A disability like this takes a lot of coming to terms with. It’s easy to dwell on the things that you’ve lost, the things that you can’t do. But Roger is always focused on what he can do, not what he can’t do.”

Looking ahead, Roger is excited about an upcoming trip to Scotland with his support worker, Paul. This adventure will include cycling, golfing, and meeting a group of disabled cyclists who ride recumbent bikes. Paul admires Roger’s determination, saying, “[Roger is] one of the most determined people I have ever met. [He] set[s] a focus and [says], right, okay. How can I do that? And then [he has] Gill and the rest of the supporting staff behind [him].”

Gill expresses profound gratitude for Elaine’s support, acknowledging that they wouldn’t be coping as well without her. Elaine’s holistic approach has been life-changing for the entire family, ensuring that Roger’s recovery is not just about physical rehabilitation but also about maintaining a fulfilling and active life.

Roger’s story is truly inspiring. With Elaine’s guidance and the unwavering support of his family, Roger has defied expectations, regaining his ability to walk, speak, and manage daily tasks. He continues to make remarkable strides in his recovery, embracing life with enthusiasm and determination.