"Locked-in" recovery story

[annie]

As a police officer, 35-year-old Clodagh Dunlop has had more than her fair share of daunting experiences.

But after she suffered a massive stroke in April, she found herself with locked-in syndrome.

It was the most "terrifying experience of my life", she said.

For almost three months, Clodagh, from Magherafelt, County Londonderry, was unable to move and speak. She could only communicate by blinking, but her mind remained completely alert.

Locked-in syndrome can affect a small percentage of people when they have a stroke.

There is no treatment or cure and recovery is very rare.

In her first broadcast interview since regaining her speech, Clodagh told the BBC that while her body was left completely paralysed, she was fully aware of everything that was happening around her.

"I remember everything from the first moment I woke in the intensive care unit," she said.

"It was a very surreal experience. I wanted to shout out to everyone 'I'm here!'.

"I could see my family and partner, Adrian, were so upset and I wanted to reassure them, but I couldn't do anything. You are a prisoner in your own body."

It was on her birthday in May that Clodagh started to show signs of breaking free from being locked-in.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-34450228

[maureenho]

How terrifying and how amazing she came through. tha22222

[wendy]

I hope she gets better and better.

[Rosalind]

How frightening, glad she is recovering.

[Honey]

tha22222 go90

[JaneJ]

What an amazing lady. I hope she goes from strength to strength