PHIL Wall is a man of many talents.
To some, Wall is a stalwart of the Chelsea SES. To others he is the man who was celebrant for their wedding. To rugby fans he is even the man who penned the Melbourne Storm theme. Last year a sudden health scare saw Wall take on a new title – stroke survivor.
On 25 July last year, Wall was rushed to hospital after suffering a major ischemic stroke on the left side of his brain stem. The stroke left the right side of his body temporarily paralysed and affected his speech and other motor functions.
After undergoing weeks of therapy and rehabilitation, Wall was soon able to return home to his family. “There were certainly some dark moments – is this my future, is this as good as I’m going to be. Questions, but never giving up,” Wall said. “So began a regime of speech therapy, physio, and occupational therapy, and then the miracle happened. Three weeks after being admitted to Kingston Rehabilitation I walked out of the hospital after being discharged and went home to my family.”
Soon after Wall defied the odds again by returning to the Chelsea SES, donning the familiar orange jumpsuit and getting back to what he does best.
A year on from his stroke, Phil Wall has shared his story to raise awareness of stroke symptoms. “Take a moment to learn about F.A.S.T. as you never know when you might need it, and if you already know it, pass it on to others,” he said. “F is for face – look for any changes or drooping. A is for arms – place your arms straight out in front of you and look for any weakness. S is for speech – do you sound different, is there any slurring or loss of coherent speech? Finally, T is for time. Act fast.”
Last week Wall reunited with the paramedics who rushed him to hospital and helped save his life. He was treated by paramedics Rohan, Gabi, and Steve. “There really are no words that adequately thank the numerous paramedics, doctors, nurses, therapists, friends, my family, my orange family, and my extended orange family. You were all amazing, and I know that I wouldn’t be where I am today without all of you,” he said.
This week is National Stroke Week. To learn more about the signs of stroke visit strokefoundation.org.au/about-stroke/learn/signs-of-stroke
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 10 August 2022