'What I had was a form of mild stroke' – Michael D Higgins reveals shock diagnosis following health 'episode' | 2Q1V8SF | 2024-04-27 00:08:01
PRESIDENT Michael D Higgins has revealed that he suffered a stroke earlier this year after health complications.
Back in March, President Higgins was seen to by medics at Aras an Uachtarain after feeling ill, and subsequently rushed to hospital.
He remained under observation for a week and it was later revealed he was suffering from "a mild transient weakness".
The 83-year-old has now shared the real reason behind his illness and explained he had actually suffered a small stroke.
Speaking with the Irish Times, the head of state was asked how his health was doing and it was noted despite appearing in better shape, he was much frailer in appearance.
He said: "I'm fine now. What I had was a form of mild stroke. It didn't affect my cognitive abilities. It affected simply my motor side, which was on the left-hand side.
"My left hand is fully back but [the stroke] somehow exacerbated stuff that I had in my lower back. I'm getting that fixed in the next week."
He also spoke about his time recovering in hospital and revealed he had spoken to King Charles regarding his own health issues while there.
Following a message from the British monarch on Monday, Higgins recalled speaking to him over the phone when it had emerged that the King had been diagnosed with cancer.
King Charles was diagnosed with an unspecified form of cancer in February after the disease was spotted during his prostate operation.
Higgins revealed some of the details of the conversation he had with the king and how they joked about similar health issues they were dealing with.
The President said: "I've had prostate operations and I told him that people will speak to you about 'mild discomfort' – I said that is one of the greatest abuses there is of the English language. We had a laugh about that."
<!-- End of Brightcove Player --> When Higgins was brought to St James's Hospital in Dublin in early March, Aras an Uachtarain officials stated that he was set to make a "full recovery" but needed an "extra few days" to be monitored.
A spokesperson said at the time: "President Michael D. Higgins has completed medical tests following his admission to St James's Hospital last Thursday evening, all of the results of which have been positive. They have indicated no serious or long-term concerns for the President's health.
"The tests have determined that the President experienced a mild transient weakness from which they expect him to make a full recovery.
"Following consultation with his medical team, President Higgins has agreed with their recommendation that he remain in hospital for an extra few days in order that they can monitor his blood pressure. He will return to Áras an Uachtaráin on Thursday."
Health woes
This is not the first of the President's health complications as it comes less than a year after he went under the knife.
In summer of 2023, Higgins was admitted to hospital for a pre-planned surgery to relieve back pain.
Also last year the President's wife Sabina underwent successful surgery in November as part of treatment for breast cancer.
More >> https://ift.tt/zFNn8vy Source: MAG NEWS
