I'm Still Here: A Stroke Survivor’s Journey Through America’s Health Care System

By Carey Doheny Steffee

The author after suffering a debilitating stroke shares her recovery journey, challenges, and lessons learned along the way. Part of this journey included a return to college to earn a BS in Healthcare Administration. Coupled with her patient experience; she offers unique insights into the Healthcare System in the United States.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Oct 6, 2020
• ISBN: 9781098328788

Book preview

© 2020 Carey Doheny Steffee

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

ISBN 978-1-09832-877-1 eBook 978-1-09832-878-8

Contents

Acknowlegements

A Prayer for Dad

Dedication

Introduction The day the lightning Bolt Struck

Chapter 1 Timeline

Chapter 2 About Stroke -Stroke does not Equal Death and other Facts

Chapter 3 Life at CPMC (California Pacific Medical Center)

Chapter 4 Surgery- Am I Going to die today?

Chapter 5 My Caregiver

Chapter 6 Going Home

Chapter 7 Returning to Work

Chapter 8 Retiring Young

Chapter 9 Insurance

Chapter 10 Being Disabled

Chapter 11 In Retrospect

Acknowlegements

Manzanita Arts Emporium in Angels Camp, CA. Becoming a writer would not have happened without the kindness, guidance, encouragement, and support of this wonderful group of writers and editors from our local community.

Michael Steffee, my husband who has been by my side every day since my stroke and has put up with my daily cognitive reboot and its failures.

My family and friends are also a large part of my recovery and will to overcome the new physical realty of what I can and cannot do. The importance of community cannot be over-exaggerated in the recovery of anyone suffering a brain or heart attack.

I have met and been both impressed and inspired by the many health professionals along my journey to become healthy again.

Dr. Rome and his therapy staff, along with the caring Nursing team at California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco.

Dr. Anne Burleigh Jacobs, my last physical therapist and friend, who corrected the subluxation of my left arm and was a continuous source of optimism in my later stage rehabilitation.

A Prayer for Dad

May you be as close to God

As the sheep is to his shepherd,

As the branch is to the vine,

As the flower is to the stem,

As the bride to her groom,

As the fish to the water,

As the bird to the air,

As the star to the sky,

As the heat is to the sun,

As the plant is to its seed,

As the leaf is to its branch,

As the child to his/her mother/father,

And as god is close to you,

And may the god who loves you be always with you and love you

Be always with you and bless you,

Father, son, and Holy Spirit.

Amen

Footnote:

Edward J. Doheny died of a massive stroke January 26 2020

Dedication

This book is dedicated to my Mother; Charlotte Rioux Doheny, whose spirit has been with me throughout my recovery, rehabilitation, and now in Renewal. She was and continues to be My North Star.

A mother’s love in hindsight can be overwhelming. Yours was more special than I ever let you know Thank you for being my mother.

The chance to have just one more discussion was lost when you left us

You were right so many times, I wish I listened and took your advice more often

Mom, I am trying to do my best in spite of missing the path you pointed to.

I often talk to you when I cannot sleep; I hope you can hear me,

You are one of my angels so please share my prayers with God. The memory of your face and eyes will stay with me forever.

Anyone who knew my mother will recall her soulful brown eyes full of kindness and optimism for family, friends, and her devout belief in God and heaven. I look forward without fear to the day I am with you again.

Introduction

The day the lightning Bolt Struck