Life after stroke a great life – David Fane

Life after stroke a great life – David Fane

6 September 2009

David Fane was 32 when he had a stroke. That was 10 years ago, and Dave – one of New Zealand’s best loved actors seen in hit shows including bro'Town and Outrageous Fortune – has a message of support and encouragement for others.

“When I had a stroke, I thought I was stuffed. I couldn't believe it had happened to me. And there was real fear, that I wouldn't have as good a life as I'd been used to.

“But a year after I'd had the stroke, I was back on stage, and I never would have thought that would happen. It just goes to show that you can relearn lines and you can relearn meanings.”

Dave is telling his story to support Stroke Awareness Week, from 7 to 13 September. About 8000 strokes occur in New Zealand each year, and stroke is our leading cause of disability.

Strokes can be linked to high blood pressure, and the focus of Stroke Awareness Week this year is on having your blood pressure checked. If you are found to have high blood pressure, it can usually be controlled by a combination of diet, exercise and medication.

Dave says having a stroke changed his life, but it’s still a great life.

“You have to get used to the fact that you are different, because you really are. And your partner has to get used to it too, and your family. Your brain has had such a shock that your levels of emotion are raised, and at times they plummet. But you know, you get through it.

“I was lucky enough to find a great trainer to work with at the gym; after about nine months the results started showing. For speech and language, I worked really hard, I even went back to my drama school and worked with my voice teacher. I also had a great support person from the Stroke Foundation who helped me get my head around some of the changes that had happened in my life.”

Dave’s partner Barony says Dave’s stroke led to some lifestyle changes.

“His lifestyle is a bit tamer than it used to be! He’s so much healthier now than he ever was before. It’s kind of ironic, I think he'll live longer now in the longer run.”

Dave says he eats a lot more green vegetables and fruit than he used to, and has lean meat.

“Chicken – I get rid of the skin, save it for Christmas! It’s just about being sensible and eating a variety of food. Everything should be in moderation – and exercise.”

He says going back to work a year after his stroke was a turning point for him.

“It doesn't matter what you do, it’s the fact that you’re doing it. You've had this experience and you've gotten over it. And that’s the thing that you should be celebrating.”

Barony says the whole experience has made them very strong as a family.

“I feel like we've been through a lot and come out on the other side. We should be able to cope with most things now!”

To mark Stroke Awareness Week, the Stroke Foundation, St John and Lions are offering free blood pressure checks at a number of supermarkets around New Zealand, and Dave encourages people to go along.

“Having your blood pressure taken only takes a few moments. If you find out you have high blood pressure, you can do something about it before it’s too late.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media