Marine Corps Veteran Shows Grit in Recovery from Mini-Strokes

A series of transient ischemic attacks (TIA), or mini-strokes, weakened the right side of Patrick Cartier’s body over the years, making everyday tasks and activities that much tougher.

The mini-strokes meant Patrick, a Marine Corps veteran and self-described “active guy,” had to drag his leg up steps. If he walked longer than 15 minutes, he needed a cane. He couldn’t coach youth baseball, one of his passions in life.

However, much like his days in the Marines, the Palmer Township, Pennsylvania, resident approached his physical rehabilitation with a mission-driven mindset.

Through a personalized rehabilitation program with Good Shepherd Physical Therapy, Patrick focused on improving his walking, right arm and right leg strength, sitting, squatting, lifting, going up steps and other daily functions most people take for granted.

While Patrick, 55, says he still has some balance and power challenges from the TIAs, he credits physical therapy for building him back up.

He can walk for up to one hour without needing his cane. He can pick up household items and move them around easier. Stairs aren’t as much of an issue as they once were.

“The improvement of going up and down stairs is huge for me,” says Patrick.

And he’s back on the diamond coaching baseball, something he’s done for 20-plus years.

“When I tell people how much I’ve progressed since I’ve gone to Good Shepherd, they’re stunned,” Patrick says.

For more information on stroke rehabilitation, call 1-888-44-REHAB (73422) or request an appointment.