Encouragement

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I'm 58 years old, married, undiagnosed as of this writing; however, since May '02 I've suffered from Peripheral Vestibular Balance Disorder (Tinnitus, Dizziness, vertigo, headache.) I've been unable to work and have been seen by numerous Doctors (a Balance Disorder Clinic, Mayo Clinic, Neurologist's, Ear Nose and Throat.)

In the late 70's I suffered a neck injury in an auto accident. I was diagnosed with Cervical Compression of C 3/4, 4/5 and 5/6 in 2002 and I had Decompression and Fusion of Neck Vertebra in 2003. Also, in 1985, I sustained a Traumatic Brain Injury that involved hospitalization and time in Neurological Intensive Care - these two incidents, I think, are behind where I am today. My testimony is that God choose to leave me here in '85 and I've sought to serve as he has led me through these many years. I've been blessed with a partner, who is an extension of everything I do and say. Praise be to God for this wonderful Lady!

I was approved for Social Security Disability and started receiving my benefits in June 2003 (this was a year long, doing what tests Social Security wanted done and hiring an SSD Attorney) Additionally, I took early retirement (had worked for 17 years at my job) in June and am receiving retirement benefits also.

I have days where I’m mildly dizzy and don’t get much done. My ears ringing and headaches are with me full time. There are times when I can drive and times I can’t and have to ask my wife to leave work, come get me, take me where I need to go, return home and she goes back to work. Her supervisor understands my situation. I have a teenage daughter (18) who works and goes to Jr. College that occasionally can help take me where I need to go.

I’ve learned to live my life one day at a time. I never know how I’m going to feel until I get up and start moving around. I use a walking cane to steady me when I’m dizzy. When we are out shopping at Wal-Mart I use a motorized cart. I’ve had stress reactions at Wal-Mart and so am cautious when I go there.

As we all know, we live in a society that if you look normal, then what is your problem, get yourself back to work and being productive. When I first received my Handicapped tag, I was self conscious about using it, now I think nothing of it. I can’t walk great distances, so it enables me to get closer to where I’m going.

We have to learn our triggers and scale our lives around what sets us off. I lead as “normal” a life as my condition allows. I trust in God to provide and show me the path he would have me to walk. I don’t suffer the symptoms of many of you, but I can listen and supply encouragement or prayer support when needed.

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