I only read the last 3 or 4 posts and even though I went through something different health wise, I went through and continue to go through the exact same thing stress wise. Here are some ideas which I'll add to after I make some phone calls to find out more..
If some of these don't apply toss them aside, some of these may sound extreme but your in an extreme situation:
1) The hospital you just got out of has a Social worker, call them and ask if they can help you if they say no, then ask what social services in the area are available to you--we all get to these points from time to time do not be ashamed to ask these people for help or direction-thats why they do what they do.
2) Make a list of all the people or things that are stressing you out...rent, bills etc..anything-if you have peoples phone numbers like the landlord, whoever wants money now or upcoming and have someone who knows you well make some calls to explain whats going on, people will help, don't be afraid to ask for temporary measures. The best thing to do is talk to the folks.
3) Some pain meds cannot be crushed and put with food like jello some CAN...find out if yours can be crushed and take it with your jello, then jello equals pain relief and pain relief eqauls jello--your out of pain and maintain your weight better.
4) When I first got Cancer and couldn't eat my doctor asked me what I loved to eat then said eat that, eat it all the time if you can to keep your weight from decreasing more.
5) Is there anyone nearby that has a laptop they could spare for awhile so Gary can stay connected with us here and friends via email etc....anything that gets him onto the web for email etc...
6) Catholic Social Services- I don't think your religious affiliation is needed, they never asked me my religion when I was in a temporary housing situation and asked for help..they will help if they can.
7) Is there a local support group for Heart attack survivors--the front of the phone book, middles? somewhere there are pages of Social Services with phone numbers, you may find you need maybe one person who knows the system and whats available to really help you get where you need to go with all of this.
Above everything just know that you can do it, just an hour here and an hour there and before you know it they'll be able to take the next step--don't give up, a good cry always helps, then try and regroup and go on....
9) Don't over do things, all of the above can be done with a phone, a phone book and a pen and paper.
10) Gary--you have 100's of people here pulling for you and we won't stop trying to help no matter what....
I'm going to try and find out more info....hey guys where is Gary located, town and zip code would be helpful....
I hope I'm not out of line here posting this for you but all of the above is what got me through some of the most horrific times of my life and these folks will help. Stay strong!!!
