Stroke at 36: Stralsunder fights for a new life in a wheelchair

Stroke at 36: Stralsunder fights for a new life in a wheelchair

On June 13, 2025, the life of Kay Schwanebeck from Stralsund changed suddenly. The 36-year-old experienced a spinal aortic stroke while recovering from a herniated disc. He had previously suffered from back pain and was already in hospital when his dramatic turnaround was diagnosed. Since then, Kay has been dependent on a wheelchair. The exact cause of the stroke is still unclear, but doctors suspect inflammation following his previous disc surgery.

Since this sad event, Kay has found his mobility severely limited. His left side is paralyzed and he can only walk a few steps on crutches. To improve his fitness and mobility, he undergoes physical therapy every day. He struggles not only with the physical challenges, but also with the new circumstances in his everyday life. He is dependent on outside help, a fact that represents a significant change for him.

Obstacles in everyday life

A major problem for Kay is the difficulty in accessing accessible spaces, both in his own home and in public environments. Access to public transport is also limited; Registration 14 days in advance is required, which makes use even more complicated. He also has difficulties applying for an active wheelchair and finding a suitable, barrier-free apartment in Stralsund. Support is needed here.

To make everyday life easier, aids such as nursing beds could be useful. These are height-adjustable and make transferring to the wheelchair more comfortable. In addition, they have side panels that prevent falls. Kay could benefit from these adjustments as he spends a lot of time in bed and needs extensive support. Information about nursing beds that can be borrowed from social centers or nursing services would be a valuable help for Kay in everyday life.

Looking into the future

Despite the challenges that life presents after the stroke, Kay doesn't give up. He plans to return to work in January 2026. Since 2012 he has been a team leader at the Chameleon Association in Stralsund, where he primarily focuses on integration aids. His return to work is not only a step towards normality, but also a sign of his unwavering will to take on life's challenges.

Kay Schwanebeck's story impressively shows how quickly life can turn upside down and gives you courage to face the challenges. Aids and a barrier-free environment can make everyday life significantly easier for people with disabilities so that they can lead a self-determined life.

For further information on aids and living space adaptations, you can visit Schaganfall-Hilfe. Furthermore, the Ostsee-Zeitung is an informative source that documents Kay's fate.