After Stroke Recovery: Terry Gilstead’s Story of Perseverance and Patience

When you hear the phrase after stroke recovery, what comes to mind? For some, it means the early days in hospital learning to walk again. For others, it’s the first year at home trying to rebuild daily routines. But for Terry Gilstead, recovery didn’t end after a year, five years, or even ten. More than three decades later, she’s still finding new ways to heal, adapt, and live with strength.

Terry’s story reminds us that recovery is not a finish line. It’s a lifelong journey of resilience, patience, and unexpected transformation.

A Stroke During Pregnancy

At just 37 years old, Terry was six and a half months pregnant when she suffered a stroke caused by antiphospholipid syndrome — a condition that thickens the blood. She had been active, full of energy, and working toward her master’s degree in administration. Then, everything changed.

Her stroke left her with paralysis on her right side and aphasia, making it nearly impossible to speak. In the midst of ICU stays, near-death experiences, and even early labor scares, she had to navigate the unthinkable — protecting her unborn son while fighting for her own life.

Despite the odds, Terry delivered a healthy baby boy in December 1991. But she returned to rehab without him, facing weeks of separation, pain, and the reality of life with new deficits.

Finding Hope in the Hardest Moments

Like many survivors, Terry battled depression. She felt trapped in a body that no longer worked as before. Speech was painfully slow, and movement on her right side seemed impossible.

She even admitted to God that she was ready to die. Yet, her family — her husband, daughters, and newborn son — became powerful reasons to keep going.

“Every time someone told me I couldn’t do something, I said, ‘Watch me.’”

This defiant spirit became a turning point.

Returning to Teaching with Aphasia

Just eight months after her stroke, Terry returned to her classroom. She relied on scripts, lesson notes, and creative teaching strategies. She integrated her rehab into her teaching — having students move their arms, practice cross-body activities, and engage with material in new ways.

Though her voice often gave out by midday, her persistence inspired both students and colleagues. She proved that after stroke recovery isn’t just about regaining what you lost — it’s about creating new ways to thrive.

A Seven-Year Spiritual Struggle

Before her stroke, Terry described herself as spiritual — more Zen than religious, open to many traditions. Afterward, she struggled with anger toward God. For seven years, she couldn’t reconcile why she had survived only to live with deficits.

But with time, her perspective shifted. Recovery softened her outlook, allowing her to reconnect with faith and gratitude. That spiritual healing became as important as the physical therapy.

Recovery That Never Ends

Today, more than 32 years later, Terry is still in recovery. Balance issues have returned as she nears 70, but instead of giving up, she goes back to rehab. She uses exercise balls, resistance bands, and stair training to stay strong.

Her story underscores a vital truth: recovery doesn’t end. Progress is possible at every stage — even decades later.

“Don’t ever think you won’t get something back. Recovery continues — you just have to find your way to it.” – Terry Gilstead

Key Lessons from Terry’s Journey

• Patience is powerful. Terry discovered a patience she never had before.
  

   

  
  


• Adaptation creates opportunity. Scripts, creative teaching, and therapy at home helped her re-enter life.
  

   

  
  


• Community matters. Her husband, children, and colleagues made recovery possible.
  

   

  
  


• Spiritual healing takes time. It’s normal to wrestle with anger, grief, and acceptance.
  

   

  
  


• Recovery never stops. Even 32 years later, she’s still proving what’s possible.
  

   

  
  

Takeaway

After stroke recovery isn’t a destination. It’s a lifelong process of growth, healing, and adaptation. Terry Gilstead’s story shows us that no matter how much time has passed, there’s always room for progress.

If you’re on this journey, remember: you’re not alone, and it’s never too late to reclaim something new.

For more stories of resilience, check out my book The Unexpected Way That a Stroke Became the Best Thing That Happened.

Standard Disclaimer

This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult your doctor before making any changes to your health or recovery plan.

After Stroke Recovery: Terry Gilstead’s Story of Perseverance and Patience

After stroke recovery never really ends. Terry Gilstead’s journey proves that patience and resilience can transform life after a stroke.

Support The Recovery After Stroke Podcast on Patreon

Highlights:

00:00 Terri Gilstad’s Introduction and Background
04:44 Out-of-Body to 27 Years On: Terri’s Long Stroke Journey
10:38 Near-Death: Terri’s ICU Revelation
18:40 The Stroke and Initial Hospitalization
22:39 Returning to Normalcy and Teaching
38:50 Long-Term Recovery and Personal Growth
44:36 Impact and Purpose of Sharing Her Story

Transcript:

Terri Gilstad’s Introduction – After Stroke Recovery

Bill Gasiamis 0:00
Hi, it’s Bill from Recovery After Stroke. Before we get into today’s episode, I wanted to thank everyone who’s been supporting the show. To those of you on Patreon. Your contributions help me cover the cost of producing this podcast after more than 10 years of doing it on my own. If you’re able to support the show in this way too, you can go to patreon.com/recoveryafterstroke to find out more.

Bill Gasiamis 0:23
Thanks also to the people leaving reviews on Apple podcasts and Spotify the YouTube commenters who keep the conversation alive, and everyone who has bought my book The unexpected way that a stroke became the best thing that happened, even those who stick with the ads you’re helping keep this show going for other survivors who need hope. Today’s guest is Terri Gilstad.

Bill Gasiamis 0:45
At just 37 and six months pregnant, she had a stroke that left her paralyzed on her right side and unable to speak. What followed was not only the birth of her son, but also decades of continuous recovery, a story of patience, persistence and her unforgettable watch me spirit and before we dive in, a big thank you to Banksia tech for supporting this episode. They’re the proud distributors of the Hanson rehab glove.

Bill Gasiamis 1:11
So Rebo, this glove is designed to help stroke survivors improve hand function at home, whether you’re early in recovery or years down the road, you’ll hear more about it later in the episode. Terri Gilstad, welcome to the podcast.

Terri Gilstad 1:25
Thank you very much. I’m glad to be here.

Bill Gasiamis 1:28
Tell me, what was life like before stroke for you?

Terri Gilstad 1:33
Okay, I don’t know if you can see it, but this page that I’m showing you is it’s a page of pictures that was of me before the stroke, and I was just in a new relationship with my current husband, and I was really big at skiing and doing things with my daughters. I was really good. As far as I had real big drive. I was type A personality. I really felt that I was ready to get into my masters.

Bill Gasiamis 2:17
So you wanted to get your