Stronger After Stroke

TITLE | Stroke Survivor Phyllis Taylor on Getting Back Up, Every Time Three strokes, a brain bleed and a farm full of rescue animals counting on her — Phyllis Taylor keeps getting back up. In this episode, she tells us exactly how. Phyllis sits down with Rosa Hart, BSN, R.N., SCRN, FLAA, and shares her story of recovery spanning seven years, from her first stroke in December 2018 to her most recent in June 2025. It's honest, sometimes funny, and full of practical wisdom for survivors and caregivers who are in the thick of it. In this episode: The stroke that looked like grief. Phyllis's first stroke came just after losing her son to Gaucher disease. Her symptoms were first blamed on grief, and it took two days and an MRI to confirm what really happened. She went on to relearn walking, talking and writing through physical, occupational and speech therapy. The warning signs she missed. Before that first major stroke, Phyllis had episodes of numbness and lost grip in her right hand while sewing. She thought it was a pinched nerve. Looking back, those were mini-strokes, or transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), and her story is a reminder to take sudden symptoms seriously, even when they go away. Stroke number two (2024). A headache and vision changes at dinner with her daughter were first called ocular migraines. Phyllis lost her peripheral vision and worked her way to getting it back. The night her dog knocked her out. During a nightly perimeter check of her farm, her 95-pound Bernedoodle took her down hard. Her Apple Watch detected the fall and called for help, and she had to belly crawl past her invisible fence so paramedics could reach her. The result was a concussion, brain contusion and brain bleed that temporarily paralyzed her left side. Recovery through routine. Phyllis didn't wait for therapy to do all the work. She was back to hauling hay to the barn at 7:30 a.m., rebuilding her legs on an elliptical and crocheting with arthritis-friendly hooks to strengthen her hands. Stroke number three (June 2025). She woke at 2 a.m. unable to use her right hand. This time it didn't go away. Her daughter and neighbors coordinated a response that brought 12 firefighters to her door in the middle of the night. Neuroplasticity in real life. She began playing the organ again, daily Sudoku, and handwriting practice that started with tiny letters and grew as her grip came back. Learning to ask for help. Once fiercely independent, Phyllis now leans on her daughter and neighbors and even gave a neighbor a house key to check on her if she isn't seen for a day or two. Her message to survivors and caregivers: Stay positive. Make yourself do the things you don't think you can do. Keep trying because eventually you will get it. About Phyllis Phyllis Taylor is a stroke survivor, farmer and animal rescuer. Her small rescue farm is home to horses, sheep, geese, turkeys, ducks, chickens, 10 cats, a Great Dane and the infamous Bernedoodle. Through multiple strokes and a traumatic brain injury, she's stayed committed to her independence, animals and recovery. Know the signs: BE-FAST—Balance, Eyes, Face, Arm, Speech, Time to call 911. Symptoms that come and go still need emergency care. Want more inspiring stories and real-life resources? Subscribe and share "Stronger After Stroke" with someone who needs a little extra support navigating life after stroke. For more support after stroke, check out the programs available both virtually and in person through Norton Neuroscience Institute Resource Centers: https://nortonhealthcare.com/services-and-conditions/neurosciences/patient-resources/resource-center/. If you enjoyed this podcast, listen to Norton Healthcare's "MedChat" podcast, available in your favorite podcast app. "MedChat" provides continuing medical education on the go and is targeted toward physicians and clinicians. Norton Healthcare, a not-for-profit healthcare system, is a leader in serving adult and pediatric patients throughout Greater Louisville, Southern Indiana, the commonwealth of Kentucky and beyond. A strong research program provides access to clinical trials in a multitude of areas. More information about Norton Healthcare is available at NortonHealthcare.com.   Date of original release: Nov. 9, 2026

DATE OF RELEASE: Oct. 12, 2026 Episode 47 TITLE | Delirium vs. Dementia After Stroke: How to Tell the Difference Is your loved one suddenly confused after a stroke? It could be delirium, and there are things you can do to help. In this episode of "Stronger After Stroke," host Rosa Hart, BSN, R.N., SCRN, sits down with Rachel N. Hart, D.O., memory and cognitive disorders neurologist and geriatrician with Norton Neuroscience Institute Memory Center, to talk about delirium after stroke. It can be frightening for families and tricky to spot. Dr. Hart explains the two main types of delirium, why stroke survivors are especially vulnerable, how to tell delirium from dementia, what families can do while their loved one is in the hospital, and what recovery looks like in the weeks and months that follow. Delirium is a sudden change in thinking that comes on over hours to days. Dementia progresses gradually. There are two main types: hyperactive (agitated, hallucinating, pulling at IVs) and hypoactive (very sleepy, withdrawn). About 50% of patients show both within 24 hours. Stroke survivors are more vulnerable because the stroke itself puts the brain under chronic stress. An infection or another illness on top of that can tip the balance. Families are the best advocates. Bring an updated medication list, sensory aids (glasses, hearing aids, dentures) and comfort items from home (CPAP, sleep mask, earplugs). No pill cures delirium. Prevention works far better: reorientation, routine, hydration, early mobility and a careful review of medications. Recovery can take weeks to months, especially for people with prior neurological conditions. If delirium has not subsided in 3 to 4 months, ask about an evaluation for an underlying memory disorder. Want more inspiring stories and real-life resources? Subscribe and share "Stronger After Stroke" with someone who needs a little extra support navigating life after stroke. For more support after stroke, check out the programs available virtually and in person through Norton Neuroscience Institute Resource Centers: https://nortonhealthcare.com/services-and-conditions/neurosciences/patient-resources/resource-center/ If you enjoyed this podcast, listen to Norton Healthcare's "MedChat" podcast, available in your favorite podcast app. "MedChat" provides continuing medical education on the go and is targeted toward physicians and clinicians. Norton Healthcare, a not-for-profit healthcare system, is a leader in serving adult and pediatric patients throughout Greater Louisville, Southern Indiana, the commonwealth of Kentucky and beyond. A strong research program provides access to clinical trials in a multitude of areas. More information about Norton Healthcare is available at NortonHealthcare.com.   Date of original release: Oct. 12, 2026

Episode 46   'They Sent Me Home' — Why Stroke Symptoms in Pregnant Women Are So Often Missed | Stronger After Stroke Pregnancy and the postpartum period are often viewed as times of joy and recovery, but they can also be periods of increased risk for serious neurological complications. In this episode of "Stronger After Stroke," Rosa Hart, BSN, R.N., SCRN, host and stroke nurse navigator, Norton Neuroscience Institute, sits down with Eliza C. Miller, M.D., M.S., one of the nation's leading physicians in women's cerebrovascular health, to discuss the often overlooked reality of stroke during pregnancy and the postpartum period. More than one in four pregnant and postpartum women who experience a stroke had already sought medical attention for their symptoms before the stroke was recognized. Symptoms such as severe headache, confusion or neck pain are often mistaken for common pregnancy-related discomforts, creating dangerous delays in diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Miller shares her expertise on why these diagnostic gaps persist and what patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals need to know to improve outcomes. As neurologist and chief of women's neurology at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital, Dr. Miller leads one of only two dedicated divisions of women's neurology in the United States and directs a nationally recognized maternal stroke program. Her work focuses on advancing research, education and awareness around women's brain health and maternal stroke. In this episode, you'll hear about: ·      Why pregnancy and the postpartum period significantly increase stroke risk and the physiological changes behind that risk ·      Stroke symptoms beyond BE-FAST that pregnant and postpartum women should never ignore, including severe headache, neck pain and confusion ·      Why more than 25% of maternal stroke patients had already been evaluated by a healthcare provider before receiving the correct diagnosis ·      The knowledge gaps that exist across obstetrics, emergency medicine and neurology when caring for women with neurological symptoms ·      What an appropriate clinical response should look like when a pregnant or postpartum woman presents with possible stroke symptoms ·      The research still needed to better understand maternal stroke and how a national patient registry could improve care ·      An important message for stroke survivors who felt their symptoms were dismissed during pregnancy or after childbirth One of the most persistent challenges in maternal stroke care is that warning signs often do not fit the traditional picture of stroke, causing both patients and providers to underestimate their significance. Dr. Miller's message is clear: awareness, education and timely evaluation save lives. When neurological symptoms occur during pregnancy or the postpartum period, they deserve serious attention. Whether you are a stroke survivor, an expectant or new parent, a caregiver or a healthcare professional, this episode provides valuable insight into one of the most important and underrecognized areas of stroke care today. Want more inspiring stories and real-life resources? Subscribe and share "Stronger After Stroke" with someone who needs a little extra support navigating life after stroke. For more support after stroke, check out the programs available both virtually and in person through Norton Neuroscience Institute Resource Centers: https://nortonhealthcare.com/services-and-conditions/neurosciences/patient-resources/resource-center/ If you enjoyed this podcast, listen to Norton Healthcare's "MedChat" podcast, available in your favorite podcast app. "MedChat" provides continuing medical education on the go and is targeted toward physicians and clinicians. Norton Healthcare, a not-for-profit healthcare system, is a leader in serving adult and pediatric patients throughout Greater Louisville, Southern Indiana, the commonwealth of Kentucky and beyond. A strong research program provides access to clinical trials in a multitude of areas. More information about Norton Healthcare is available at NortonHealthcare.com   Date of original release: Sept.14, 2026

Episode 45   Spinal Cord Stroke | Stronger After Stroke In this episode of "Stronger After Stroke," Rosa Hart, BSN, R.N., SCRN, stroke nurse navigator for Norton Neuroscience Institute, sits down with Maggie Rasche, whose life changed in an instant at age 17 when a rare spinal cord stroke left her paralyzed during a typical school day. Maggie shares her remarkable story of survival, resilience and recovery. What began as mild tingling quickly became a medical emergency that led to 29 days in the intensive care unit (ICU), two life-threatening events and months of intensive rehabilitation. Today, Maggie is living independently in college, driving, traveling and pursuing her dream of becoming a civil engineer. This episode is a powerful reminder that stroke can happen at any age, that recovery is possible and that determination can overcome extraordinary challenges. In this episode: ·      A rare spinal cord stroke in a healthy teenager ·      The warning signs that appeared that morning ·      Why fast action and emergency treatment mattered ·      Spending 29 days in the ICU and surviving two codes ·      Relearning how to breathe, speak, eat, sit up and walk ·      The emotional moment Maggie spoke for the first time after receiving a tracheostomy ·      How determination fueled her recovery journey ·      Returning to school and finishing exams from her hospital bed ·      Life after rehabilitation and thriving in college ·      Hope and encouragement for stroke survivors and caregivers   Key takeaways: ·      Strokes can occur in young, healthy individuals. ·      Early recognition and emergency treatment can save lives. ·      Neuroplasticity allows the brain and nervous system to continue adapting during recovery. ·      Recovery timelines are unique, and progress can continue long after the initial injury. ·      Family support, advocacy and perseverance play a critical role in healing. Who should listen: ·      Stroke survivors ·      Caregivers and family members ·      Healthcare professionals ·      Rehabilitation specialists ·      Students interested in medicine and neuroscience ·      Anyone looking for an inspiring story of overcoming adversity Want more inspiring stories and real-life resources? Subscribe and share "Stronger After Stroke" with someone who needs a little extra support navigating life after stroke. For more support after stroke, check out the programs available both virtually and in person through Norton Neuroscience Institute Resource Centers: https://nortonhealthcare.com/services-and-conditions/neurosciences/patient-resources/resource-center/ If you enjoyed this podcast, listen to Norton Healthcare's "MedChat" podcast, available in your favorite podcast app. "MedChat" provides continuing medical education on the go and is targeted toward physicians and clinicians. Norton Healthcare, a not-for-profit healthcare system, is a leader in serving adult and pediatric patients throughout Greater Louisville, Southern Indiana, the commonwealth of Kentucky and beyond. A strong research program provides access to clinical trials in a multitude of areas. More information about Norton Healthcare is available at NortonHealthcare.com.   Date of original release: Aug. 10, 2026

Nutrition After Stroke: Eating Safely When Swallowing Is Hard | Stronger After Stroke After a stroke, something as simple as eating can suddenly feel overwhelming or even dangerous. If you or someone you love has been told they need a modified texture diet, you probably have more questions than answers. In this episode of "Stronger After Stroke," Rosa Hart, BSN, R.N., SCRN, stroke nurse navigator, Norton Neuroscience Institute, sits down with Bethany Farmer, RDN, LDN, M.Ed., registered dietitian and clinical nutritionist, to take the confusion out of eating safely at home after stroke. Bethany brings clinical expertise and practical real-world guidance to the table. She breaks down what a modified texture diet means, how the IDDSI (International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative) framework works, and why following the prescribed diet level is one of the most important things a stroke survivor can do to protect their recovery. In this episode, you'll hear about: ·      What modified texture diets are and why they matter after stroke ·      Common foods that seem safe but can be dangerous for people with swallowing difficulties ·      How to thicken liquids correctly and consistently at home ·      Practical tips for keeping meals nutritious, appealing and dignified ·      Signs that swallowing may be improving and when to ask for a reevaluation ·      How caregivers can support safe mealtimes without added stress One of the biggest fears involving dysphagia is that mealtimes will never feel normal again. Bethany's message is one of both caution and hope. With the right knowledge and the right team, eating can still be safe, satisfying and even enjoyable. Whether you are a stroke survivor navigating a new way of eating, a caregiver trying to keep your loved one safe at the table or a clinician looking for patient-friendly resources to share, this episode is packed with information you can use right away. Want more inspiring stories and real-life resources? Subscribe and share "Stronger After Stroke" with someone who needs a little extra support navigating life after stroke. For more support after stroke, check out the programs available virtually and in person through Norton Neuroscience Institute Resource Centers: https://nortonhealthcare.com/services-and-conditions/neurosciences/patient-resources/resource-center/ If you enjoyed this podcast, listen to Norton Healthcare's "MedChat" podcast, available in your favorite podcast app. "MedChat" provides continuing medical education on the go and is targeted toward physicians and clinicians. Norton Healthcare, a not-for-profit healthcare system, is a leader in serving adult and pediatric patients throughout Greater Louisville, Southern Indiana, the commonwealth of Kentucky and beyond. A strong research program provides access to clinical trials in a multitude of areas. More information about Norton Healthcare is available at NortonHealthcare.com.   Date of original release: July 13, 2026