Viewpoint

Viewpoint provides a forum for discussing topics, issues, public policy matters, or anything else that might bear on the broad topic of disabilities. It is clearly intended to present a point of view which will be that of the author and not the foundation or any other affiliation the author may have.

Viewpoint will be a regular, frequently updated feature of this web-site. Members of the Board as well as invited guests will be contributors to this informational column.

It has been eight years since my wife had a stroke the morning after our son was born. We have seen more doctors, nurses, hospitals, ER rooms, and have under gone more diagnostic tests, CTs, MRIs, etc., then we could have in our wildest dreams ever imagined. However, no one plans to become disabled; develop a variety of chronic health problems; or use extensive amounts of health care services. One moment life is moving along --sort of planned and the next moment life changes on a dime. Nothing is the same. Nothing will ever be like it was. For sure, the future is even more uncertain.

Feelings of loss, anger, profound sadness, anxiety, apprehension--envelop you. Roles change, responsiblitities shift, freedom to come and go--goes. Privacy, autonomy, independence for all practical purposes disappear. I'm sure such experences are common to most individuals in similar circumstances. But when it is you---you no longer have to imagine what it would be like.
You live it 24 hours a day!

These experiences are but some of the topics that will be core to the discussions that take place in viewpoint. My wife and I invite your comments and suggestions for topics that might be the focus of future columns.

Bill Filstead

A cure is at the of our mission.