Stroke Survivor Stories: Meet Carolyn
Recovering from a stroke is never a straight path. For some survivors, progress comes quickly in the hospital only to slow once formal therapy ends. For others, the drive to keep pushing opens new doors. Carolyn Shashaguay, a 64-year-old stroke survivor, is one of those people. Her story shows that recovery does not stop when rehab ends, and with persistence, the brain can continue to improve.
Life After a Stroke
In February 2016, Carolyn’s life changed overnight. “I experienced a brain bleed,” she recalls. “That resulted in a stroke and my entire right side I couldn’t move.”
She spent one week in intensive care before moving to a hospital rehabilitation program. With hard work, she regained enough mobility to walk with a four-point cane by the time she was discharged. “They were able to work with me and I was able to walk with a four-point cane when I was released,” she says.
But her right arm remained weak, and her therapists set modest goals: to be able to shower, move around with a wheelchair, and handle small daily tasks.
The Early Stages of Recovery
For four months, Carolyn went to rehab regularly. “After that, they told me that was all the improvement I should ever expect,” she explains.
It is something many stroke survivors hear, but Carolyn was not ready to accept it. “My goal was just to function again,” she remembers. “But I wasn’t going to give up.”
Discovering At-Home Stroke Therapy
While searching online, Carolyn found FitMi, an interactive home therapy device designed for stroke recovery by Flint Rehab.
“Then I was able to find the FitMi on the internet,” she says. “My husband got it loaded on the computer and I was able to do it. It was fun.”
The program gave her measurable progress she could see on the screen. “It was something I could do myself,” she explains. “It measured my progress and I found a lot of improvement.”
Regaining Strength and Independence
The more Carolyn used FitMi, the more confident she became. “I then continued to improve,” she says. “Now I can currently drive and ride my bike and I travel and my husband and I do things together.”
The gains were more than physical. They restored her independence and self-confidence. “I have my confidence back and my abilities continue to improve,” she says proudly.
Advice for Other Stroke Survivors
For Carolyn, recovery did not end when her therapists said she had plateaued. She wants other stroke survivors to know the same is possible for them.
“As far as the FitMi, I have loved using it. It was easy to follow and easy to set up and I recommend it to anyone, especially if they have been told they can’t improve,” she says.
Her biggest piece of encouragement? “Your brain will actually improve when you train it, and that’s what you learn with the FitMi. You get your courage back and you continue to improve because the body is amazing.”
Takeaway: Progress Can Continue
Many people make the mistake of believing that their rehab ends the minute they leave their initial rehab.
Carolyn’s journey is proof that progress does not stop after rehab. With consistency, the right tools, and a refusal to give up, survivors can continue making gains even years after a stroke.
