Good evening! After the new year there were some changes to staffing needs at Swansons Clinic. Changes in what I ultimately wanted to focus on but now won’t be. This broke my heart. Another rug I didn’t need pulled out from under me. There are options that I could still pursue at Swansons, but I would be in a much different clinical role than I originally hoped to pursue. I want hands on experience focused on not only hyperbaric care. I want to provide holistic care that focuses on advocacy and educational issues. I want to break the mold, yet I still need to figure out next steps.

I met with Vocational rehab in early March to brainstorm possible employment opportunities for me to pursue. We came up with various ideas which would keep me be right on track in seeing just how much I may be able to tolerate each day, how many days per week, etc. 

It isn’t easy for Voc Rehab to find a nurse or nurse practitioner job keeping my deficits in mind. To be honest, I really don’t know what I can do/accomplish. Even getting through my days isn’t easy. Given that fact, would returning to work be worth it if it drains me to the max?? 

I’ve tried to focus on a routine the best I can along with motivation (I lack that). We will see what comes up. I’m leaving it all in His hands. I can’t “fix” my issues or concerns. 

I’m heading to the Mind-Eye Institute in Northbrooke, IL this month for a neurological re-evaluation for my “Brainwear” glasses! I still struggle with double vision and not being able to “see the whole picture” due to the damage to my brain, but man, my vision has still improved Drastically!! Maybe this time my eyes and brain will cooperate so my astigmatism can also be corrected (crossing my fingers). My appointments to the Institute are essential to my healing journey and I need to be re-evaluated/assessed every 4-6 months for continued improvement. There aren’t any facilities available that offer even close to the same services (or are even close to home). 

Insurance companies do not cover anything for the neurological services or assessments I need to improve in my healing journey. They also don’t cover prism or other specialty lenses! Each visit from now on at the Institute will cost $1999 just for the exams alone. The cost of my “Brainwear” is usually $630. I don’t want to “burn through” my Medicare set aside (which only covers certain services) or my small settlement I received from the state of ND for medical bills. I feel like I’m in a catch 22 for that. 

I want to thank everyone again for your amazing support of my journey!! ❤️ Any financial assistance would be greatly appreciated!!