So, I’ve written a book, published in April, called The Book of Stroke. It is a memoir, told in prose and accessible poetry, of that first difficult year from stroke to hospitals to home and out-patient and returning as much as possible to life.
Much of it deals with the social aspects of being a stroke victim–the things people can’t see, the belief that I’ve returned to normal, the need for others to tell my story even though I may not want it told (there is no social HIPAA!), encounters out in the world, the things people say when they’re uncomfortable with my situation, the changes in my marriage, the ongoing tension between my wanting to push some limits to see what I can do while others’ instincts are to constrain for my own protection, the reality that other people are tired of my situation. and the things I can’t do anymore. That kind of thing.
I only mention if anyone interested. I don’t make any money. I’m not trolling for sales. I donate any proceeds to my therapists at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta. A public service announcement, if you will. Amazon and Barnes and Noble have it, that I know of.
Fantastic & well done on writing your book. Everything you mention in your post all sounds very familiar and pretty much what a lot of us experience I think.
HIPAA stands for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. It is a U.S. federal law that was passed in 1996.
While it covers several things, today it is best known for one main job: protecting the privacy and security of your medical information.
Here is a simple breakdown of what the law actually does:
1. It protects your health data (The Privacy Rule)
This is the part everyone talks about. It sets strict rules on who is allowed to look at or share your medical records, test results, billing information, and any other health details that could identify you.
Without your written permission, hospitals, doctors, and health insurers generally cannot share your information with anyone else (like your employer, the media, or even your family in some cases).
2. It secures your electronic records (The Security Rule)
This part requires hospitals and clinics to use safeguards—like encryption, secure logins, and employee training—to make sure your digital health records don’t get hacked or leaked.
3. It helps you keep health insurance (The Portability part)
The “Portability” part of the law makes it easier for you to keep your health insurance if you lose or change your job. It also limits how insurance companies can deny coverage for “pre-existing conditions” when you switch plans.
It’s had some very positive reviews, may have to dip into it after I finish Service by John Tottenham. Poems and prose, and I noticed you have another book too that looks interesting.
Btw, if interested, I also write a weekly column on Substack called “The Retired Life” which is kind of whimsical, touches on various issues with getting old and out of the work force (which I am). There’s no charge or anything. I do it for fun (and therapy): Robert Bires | Substack
