One Day at a Time: A Personal Story of Stroke Recovery
October 30, 2025 | Autonomy, Healthy Living, Rehabilitation
Carol S. Heape, MSW, CMC
I never truly understood what a brain injury meant—until I had a stroke. It came as a complete shock: unexpected, untimely, and incredibly disruptive. I had no idea just how deeply it would affect my brain and daily life.
It’s been over a year now. I’ve made progress, but there’s still a long road ahead. I’m sharing my story in hopes it might help others who are recovering from a stroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI), or any other type of brain injury.
To start, I continue to learn more every day. An article I read in Constant Therapy magazine has helped me to understand that the challenges I’m facing are common after a brain injury. Memory problems, difficulty focusing, and planning—these are all part of the recovery journey. I used to be able to multitask without thinking twice. Now, remembering something can take hours or days. I’ve had to adjust how I approach every part of my life.
To assist with this, I will write everything down. I even keep a list of birthdays for each month. Since I no longer have use of my right hand, I ask someone to write them down for me. If you’re able, crossing items off a list can bring a sense of accomplishment.
Next, I plan my day ahead of time, even if it’s just mentally. I set small, achievable goals. For example, one of my tasks is unloading the silverware from the dishwasher. It may seem minor, but to me, it’s a victory.
It is important to remember that if you’re recovering from a brain injury, be realistic about what you can do in a day. It’s okay to start a task and not finish it right away. Maintaining a routine also helps. For example, I start each day making dinner plans in the morning with my caregiver. We make grocery lists together, take food out of the freezer, and plan our meals.
Next, if you’re comfortable with technology, use your phone or tablet to set reminders and timers. Keeping track of time can be tricky, and sometimes entire days feel like they disappear. I’ve had to relearn how to stay aware of the clock.
I also use a digital calendar, something my speech therapist helped me set up early on. It’s on my computer and syncs with my phone. It’s become a valuable daily tool. I’m even learning how to use voice-activated software, both at home and at work.
Setting a daily schedule has also been essential for me. There are days when my thoughts jumble, when I can’t find the right words, or when I forget what I was doing halfway through. It’s frustrating. But I keep going. It has been helpful to shape my day around my previous routine, even though it looks different now. I even make small events meaningful, something to look forward to. For example, my big adventure these days is a trip to the grocery store every couple of weeks but, honestly- I look forward to it.
It is also important, and something I have learned, to never turn down help, especially therapy. If your insurance covers physical therapy (PT), occupational therapy (OT), or speech therapy, take full advantage of it. Ask your doctor for referrals. The progress may be slow, but every bit helps. Yes, I’ve felt discouraged. Yes, I’ve wanted to give up. But I haven’t. My team has kept me accountable and on track.
It is also important to be patient with yourself because some days, it just takes a lot of energy to simply get through the day. Sometimes, I fall asleep in my wheelchair after doing what seems like very little. I’m usually in bed by 9:30. I have had to learn that rest is not failure.
I have also learned that it is important to celebrate the little wins and let others notice them too. Your progress matters, even if it’s hard to see it yourself.
After my stroke, it felt easier to isolate. But it is important to surround yourself with a support system. Remember who you were before and be kind to that person. Invite friends and family to visit. It’s easy to isolate, but it’s better to stay involved in your community. Go to local events, even if it’s just for a short time. Also, try to spend time outside if you can. I have a deck off the living room, but I often forget to use it. As the weather cools down, I’ll have to remind myself to bundle up and go out.
Recovery from a brain injury is slow—slower than I’d like—but I’m getting better. I’m learning to be patient with myself, and to trust that healing takes time.
If you’re going through something similar: you’re not alone. Keep showing up for yourself. Take small steps. Accept help. And don’t give up.
You’ll get there, just like I will.
Carol S. Heape is the founder and co-owner of Elder Options, Inc. Carol suffered a stroke in 2024, blindsiding this active, fiercely independent woman. Even today, she uses her story to help others navigate through the post stroke journey and feel “not so alone”.