If you’re like me, a wheelchair user and are thinking about taking a cruise, a bit of preparation can make all the difference. Cruising can be a fantastic, accessible way to travel, and with the right choices it can be both relaxing and memorable. Here are a few things I’ve learned from my own experiences

Over the years, my story has featured in a number of different places. I thought I would share some of those stories here in the blog.

Since my stroke 14 years ago, I have flown several times back to Australia, Venice, Orkney and  Exeter with either my power chair or manual chair. Here are my tips for a smooth journey.

After my discharge from rehab, I continued to receive physio from the community rehab team, which included both home visits and me visiting the gym at Colman Rehab centre. At the same time, I joined the university Gym and swimming pool. Getting my strength back was vital not only for me but for my family as well.

One of my long-term targets on being discharged from hospital in September 2011 was to be able to climb a Peak in Derbyshire; however, I wasn’t very confident that I would ever climb again, but here I was planning and training to climb Mam Tor, Edale, Derbyshire, where I spent many a happy hour exploring before my stroke.

In July 2012, I was an Olympic torchbearer. It was an incredible experience, and one I will never forget. It gave me the motivation to push forward with my rehabilitation, and it was an incredible experience.

We had to make a number of adaptations to make our home work for me, and to do that, a few difficult decisions needed to be made.

Leaving the Norfolk & Norwich hospital was a very emotional affair, after five months a special bond between the staff and myself had developed so there was tears, mainly from me, as I faced my next challenge ‘rehab’ though I wanted to go when the time came and the ambulance drivers arrived to transfer me I could have quite easily said I don’t want to I want to stay here but I knew I couldn’t, however, the thought of having to learn to trust strangers was daunting.

Communicating with staff and family was most frustrating for several weeks. I could only use my eyes, for example: 2 blinks for yes and 1 blink for no. Then I was introduced to the ETRAN board.

I am still as adventurous as I was before my Brain Stem Stroke. I just need a little bit more help at times.

I remember waking up at Norwich airport. It was around 8 pm, and I was lying on a stretcher, on the tarmac, being transferred to an ambulance. It was cold, dark and drizzly.

After nine days, I was flown home to the UK from Dubai via Turkey and Germany in a Lear Jet, accompanied by a doctor, nurse, and two pilots. I don't recommend having a stroke to go private.

Life before my debilitating brans stem stroke left me locked in and disabled.

Jeannie Pleban shares her perspective of Eddie's Stroke and its impact.