Stroke Patient's Positive Outlook Is Key to Success
After a successful career in corporate business, consulting, and accounting, Carol Meyer retired in April 2022. She and her husband Geoff were ready to begin their year-long global travel adventure. But in early 2023, Carol had noticed irregular sleep patterns through her Fitbit sleep tracker. She was soon diagnosed with heart arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat, a major risk factor for stroke.
In March 2023, Carol underwent a successful cardio ablation procedure, but unfortunately suffered a stroke during her recovery. Carol soon discovered she had expressive aphasia, a language impairment that affected her speech and cognitive processing, and right hemiplegia, or weakness on one side of the body, as a result of her stroke.
After spending one month at St. David’s Rehabilitation Hospital, Carol was referred to the Centre for Neuro Skills Austin clinic to continue outpatient treatment. All CNS clinics offer a continuum of care approach to therapeutic rehabilitation to maximize patient outcomes.
In May 2023, Carol was admitted to the CNS Day Treatment program, where a tailored therapy program was created for her needs. For five days a week, Carol and Geoff would make the hour-long journey to the clinic, where Carol received five hours of intensive neurorehabilitation therapy.
When Carol first arrived, she was shocked at her inability to process math, reading, writing, and speaking. “Carol’s superpower is her speech for her, so getting that back was the most important goal,” said Geoff. “It was very challenging for her to not be part of conversations.”
CNS Speech Therapy programs focus on restoring communication and cognition essential for safety, returning to work or school, and community reintegration. To address these long-term goals, Speech Therapist Danielle organized a talent show for her patients. Carol prepared and successfully read aloud her chapter about women’s careers published just one week after her stroke. This was a large milestone for Carol, who emphasizes celebrating the small wins and having a positive outlook during recovery.
Today, Carol continues to improve her speaking abilities, goes on daily walks with her husband, and has regained her confidence. She was able to attend her granddaughter’s wedding in England just four months after her stroke and has returned to an active lifestyle filled with family and travel.
