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
