OK, my friends, you either have Social Security or are fighting to receive it. Now you are faced with bills and “here comes the judge,” I mean “bills.” Well, maybe the judge also.
Having a stroke is serious and depression is just about to increase with the government regulations imposed on you. Now you have to pay rent, electric, gas, insurance food and cable. Why did I include cable? Because it was my only salvation that truly kept my mind focused on something I could understand. I was retraining my brain to listen and understand situations. This was needed for my recovery. What did I watch? The western channel had what I needed. “The Lone Ranger,” “The Durango Kid,” Gary Cooper, Gene Autry with Pat Butram. They are wholesome stories that kids could understand. I am an adult, but with a brain injury, it set me back for comprehension. Simple situations I needed to utilize to get back some of the thought processes. Yes, I also watched “Lassie.” Yes, I cried during “Old Yeller” too.
So my recovery was on my mind but I then had to “eat.”
What do I do? Take that pride hit, people. I went to the Department of Social Services located at 68 Dick Huff Lane in Verona. Their number is 540.245.5800.
They can process you for food stamps. Now you may ask? I am hungry now, I can’t eat an application. They have a small food bank there. It is small, but it can get you through. They also sent me to the Food Bank to get an emergency box of food. They will then get you on a list to go to an assigned site near your home to get food on a weekly basis. Look, you need it now. Swallow that pride. Then when you are financially back on your feet go to the store, get canned goods and return the “hand up.” It is only a “handout” if you make it that way. Give back what you received and maybe more. I contribute to many food drives as I have “been there.” It is not pleasant being “there”.
OK. Your appointments for medical help. You know you should not drive so what is next? My neighbors work, my family has other things to do. Hello out there, please realize that you will now only have “true friends.” Many friendships you had before might disappear. Some will not answer the phone or drift away from you. This did not only happen to me, but I read it all the time from other stroke survivors. Your true friends will come through and then you shall realize true friendship.
Transportation an issue, go here for some advice.
– www.staunton.va.us/community/transportation/cats
If you are at Woodrow Wilson, call and ask for transportation to their facility if unable to perform driving tasks. Just get there!
OK, we got you food, transportation and made way for hope. You take control of the wheel now. So you had a flat tire or maybe two with you body being a fine Jaguar or a Mercedes Benz. Fix it! It is not easy for many stroke survivors. Take one short step at a time. The process will not materialize overnight, but it “can” improve.
How do I know I am on the right track for recovery? First, listen to your doctor.
Do not think you know more than your physician. I took myself off one medication without permission and I paid dearly for it three weeks ago. That is another article.
You are here reading this on line, so this should be easy. Double click this site:
– www.youtube.com/results?search_query=stroke+recovery&search_type=&aq=f
This site is about stroke recovery and you can watch and listen to recovery and rehabilitation. Seeing is believing. Just watch different videos concerning strokes with different scenarios. I shall see you next week. In the meantime, smile.
– Column by Chris DeWald
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