Stroke survivor 'Eljo' finds new passion in art after decade-long recovery on the Isle of Man

'Eljo' had a stroke at the age of 41. Credit: ITV Granada Reports

A stroke survivor has explained how he has learned to 'give up his old life', during a decade-long recovery on the Isle of Man.

Joel 'Eljo' Baltazar suffered with a stroke in July 2013.

As a result, the 52-year-old's right side of the body was paralysed, and his speech was impacted by aphasia.

While Eljo lost the ability to speak, he is able to communicate through his actions.

Typing his responses to questions on his phone, Eljo said: "I’ve had to give up my old life. Everything changed and that included adapting.

"From where I live, how to look after myself personally. Having to give up my job that I loved.

"But I’m now comfortable and happy, and I can live independently."

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'Eljo' has taken up art as a new hobby since his stroke, to help with his developmental skills. Credit: ITV Granada Reports

In 2013, Eljo was working as a nurse at Noble's Hospital when he realised something was not right.

His friend noticed he was unable to speak clearly, and he was subsequently rushed to A&E.

He said: "After many hours of physically sessions and after care, plus speech therapy, dealing with the lack of communication and movement issues was the hardest to deal with."

Eljo said the recovery has been "emotionally very difficult", adding that the "uncertainty was very hard".

"After having the stroke I was left with limited movement and lack of verbal communication so when it comes to my day to day life including the social aspect, I’ve had to adapt," he said.

"Such as asking for help getting about such as shopping."

Since the stroke, Eljo has focused his abilities into new hobbies, such as art and photography.

He said: "I have found a passion in art and it’s a way for me to express myself and feels. I also have a new interest in photography and picture taking, this to helps me express myself.

"I would never have jointed an art class if I hadn’t had my stroke."

'Eljo' lives independently in Douglas on the Isle of Man. Credit: Family photo

Eljo's family all live in the United States, meaning he lives on his own on the Isle of Man.

"Sadly my family live in America, so couldn’t be here to support me.

"My friends from the Isle of Man and the UK came and stayed with me for many weeks whilst I was being stabilised.

"Plus the team at the Stroke association played a huge role in my recovery."

He now lives independently in his home in Douglas, hoping to share his story so it may inspire others who have suffered with a stroke.

Eljo concluded: "Anyone can have a stoke at any time. I never thought for a moment that I would have one.

"Plus if you’re lucky enough to survive the stroke, the recovery process takes months to years to rebuild your life and having to adapt to the new normal.

"It has been many years now since my stroke, but I will continue with improving myself and developing new skills and ways to live my life positively and independently."

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