buying after short sale

We had to do a short sale on our HELOC. The primary mortgage was paid in full. Our realtor advised us that we would qualify for a new mortgage right away due to hardships. ( husband lost job, then obtained job in another State, then diagnosed with cancer). We continued to make mortgage payments along with paying rent for several years, but finally couldn't afford both. Our house was on the market for over three years. Now we are being told by our lender that we have to wait 4 years before buying again. Are there any programs available for us? We have good income and our credit is getting better.