Recovery After Stroke
Recovery After Stroke
Vertebral Artery Occlusion Nearly Took Him Down – How Joel Fought Back
Vertebral Artery Occlusion Nearly Took Him Down – How Joel Fought Back
Vertebral Artery Occlusion Nearly Took Him Down – How Joel Fought Back
Friday 27th June 2025
Joel Case shares his journey of overcoming vertebral artery occlusion and cancer, reshaping his life with empathy and renewed purpose.
68 minutes
hopeful
challenging
informative
inspirational
reflective
About this podcast
Overview:
Categories:
Empowering Recovery Journeys
Recovery Reimagined
Creative Recovery Journeys
Financial Health in Recovery
Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
Links:
Visit site
Episodes:
382 (View all)
Do you want to link to this podcast?
Get the buttons here!Joel's Triumph Over Stroke & Cancer Challenges
Episode Overview
- Joel Case's stroke recovery journey.
- Life-changing impact of vertebral artery occlusion.
- Navigating cancer treatment during COVID.
- Developing empathy through adversity.
- Continuous health management and monitoring.
If you've ever felt like recovery keeps throwing curveballs, or wondered how to keep moving when it all feels like it's too much, this one is for you.
In this compelling episode, Joel Case recounts his extraordinary journey of recovery from a vertebral artery occlusion that led to a cerebellar stroke. At the age of 65, Joel, an active marathon runner and skier, found himself facing unexpected health challenges that altered his life forever. But Joel's story is not one of defeat; it's about resilience, growth, and finding new purpose despite adversity.
Joel shares how his life changed dramatically after the stroke, which left him unable to stand or walk. This was compounded by a cancer diagnosis and the emotional toll of recovery. Despite these hurdles, Joel chose to embrace his circumstances and found a renewed sense of empathy and purpose. He emphasizes the importance of asking questions and staying informed about one's health, a lesson he learned during his cancer treatment amidst the COVID pandemic.
Navigating cancer treatment was particularly challenging due to COVID restrictions, which classified his prostate surgery as non-essential. Joel had to seek alternative treatment options, eventually undergoing surgery in Seattle. This experience taught him invaluable lessons about persistence and the importance of seeking multiple opinions. Throughout his journey, Joel reflects on the mental health impact of his experiences.
He shares that while he faces moments of fear and uncertainty, his journey has allowed him to develop deeper empathy for others facing similar challenges. He encourages listeners to find strength in small victories and to maintain hope, as recovery is a continual process. Joel's story is a testament to the power of endurance and the human spirit's ability to adapt and grow through adversity. His insights offer hope and inspiration to stroke survivors and anyone facing life-altering events.
By sharing his experiences, Joel aims to help others feel seen and supported in their own recovery journeys. Host Bill Gasiamis, who also experienced a stroke, provides a platform for stories like Joel's, fostering a community where stroke survivors can feel connected and understood. He invites listeners to explore further resources through his book and encourages support for the podcast through various channels. This episode is a reminder that recovery is a journey taken one step at a time.