The Plan ~
So, after months of misery, my Doctors have come up with A Plan. A plan to buy me some time off the cruel carousel of spending multiple nights in my car and interludes when I'm in the paid shelter of a motel. They understood how badly even 211 has failed me recently. And looked at my swollen, damaged legs and figured out a way to make the medical system work in my favor. At last.
My legs are so bad right now, they wanted to prescribe heavy duty, pee-every-hour (at least) diuretics, but when I explained I'd have no bathroom access between 11pm-5am, they held off. Instead, I'm gonna go the next couple nights (if that long) in my car, then call their service, describe my symptoms, and with them not being able to see my legs, they'd tell me to go to the ER. From there, based on my ongoing heart conditions, they'd have to admit me for a couple days of intravenous diuretics. And after that, onto a skilled nursing facility for continued care and rehabilitation. The only reason I wasn't sent to a care facility when initially hospitalized was because I didn't yet have a primary care physician, having gone years without health insurance (yes, I fell through the cracks in Obamacare; thanks Walmart!).
This will get my body exactly what it needs to get back to the level of health I had before I started sleeping in my car the majority of nights. Yes, I'm crying as I type this. I'll be someplace safe. I won't be constantly alone. Once I'm settled in the facility, it will be a lot easier to pursue my two major goals: FINALLY making Walmart submit the State-mandated forms so I can collect my guaranteed 12-weeks medical leave pay, and applying for all the various pieces of paper I need (such as a social security card and my divorce decree) so I can apply for SSI Disability. And from there, low income housing.
The journey is far from over, I know. But I pray with all my might this is the break I've so desperately needed. I think of all the people I've met along the way; Healthcare workers, the amazingly kind manager & staff of the Motel 6 which has been the closest I've had to a home in more than four years. Other homeless folks who I swear God sent into my life for me to advise from my experiences, or just lend the comfort of understanding. Until you've been out here living this fraught existence, you can't know how many quietly homeless people live and work among us.
And I think of my community here; of all the faceless people who saw and understood my need & desperation, and did whatever they could to help. Moral support. Prayers. Financial donations. Signal boosts. Sending out my love to you all today & always, and my forever appreciation!
