"C" is for Care.
Yesterday, I went to my physical therapy appointment. (The short version of why I need PT is as follows: I was born with profound Congenital Hip Dysplasia, left side only, a IV on the Crowe scale. Surgeries in childhood got me into adulthood. Hip deteriorated. I received total hip replacement in 2008. Because of the deformities present in my pelvis and femur on the left side, I struggle daily with issues relating to this, even after the replacement.) The place where I go for PT is affiliated with a hospital where I have experienced some of the worst care I could imagine. The nightmare that place put me through for years is not something I am willing to post about here this evening, so let's just say their services suck. When I started PT at their rehab services, I was a bit apprehensive.
The past few days, I have been experiencing some severe pain that was not the normal chronic aches I have around my hip joint. It was so bad, I almost cancelled my PT appointment, because I did not want to ride the recumbent cycle, or work my legs on the shuttle machine, or hobble my ankles with what feels like giant pieces of balloon and walk sideways across the room while holding ski poles, all activities I actually enjoy on my better days, but did not look forward to doing while in this intense pain. A small part of me thought that perhaps my physical therapist would be able to give me some pointers on how to relieve my pain, but the rest of me figured I would not be believed, and would be treated poorly, as the majority of the healthcare professionals at this healthcare establishment have treated me for the past two decades.
I went in, and I am so glad I did. My therapist, a young man who looks so much like Kevin Bacon that I cannot ever remember his real name, listened to me, knew right away what was causing the pain I was experiencing (my SI joint), and set about trying to help ease my pain. By the end of the visit, my pain was noticeably diminished, and I had a couple of stretches to do at home to help out, including an interesting thing where I stand up facing a wall, flush against it, place a pillow between my left leg and the wall, and stretch the correct muscles by trying to lift my left knee, a move that reminded me of trying to knee someone in the groin.
As I left PT, I looked down at the instructions for the new stretches that my therapist had written on stationery with the name of the healthcare place I have come to loathe on it, and for the first time, I felt like the words "...legacy of care" were not the biggest load of crap I had ever seen. I'm not sure if physical therapists take an oath to care, but yesterday, this one cared. He could teach a lot to some doctors I know.
The posts in this blog, starting in April, 2023, are drawn from the many emails I have been sending to wtfpod.com, ever since the end of last August. If I post anything that is not from my collection of emails, and is about a different subject, I will make that clear at the beginning of such a post. All posts from before Aug of 2022, are not from these particular emails sent to Mr. Maron. If you, or anyone you know, is in crisis: Call the NAMI Helpline at 800-950-6264 Text "HelpLine" 62640
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
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It's sad that we are amazed when we find health care professionals that do actually care.
ReplyDeleteIt sure is.
DeleteJudy, I hope your week gets a little easier. And yeah, I'm with Kathy - it is sad to be surprised by caring, but it's honest, and I like reading an honest blog. - best from Jeanne at Seven Oaks, homegardenjoy.com, also A to Z participant
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jeanne.
DeleteI'm glad you had a good experience at last - let's hope it continues :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jemima.
DeleteJudy, I so understand. I had a neurologist tell me that basically my essential tremor was all in my head and refused to do anything. I spent two years trying to deal with a type of neuromuscular disorder and no health insurance, AFTER I got my full SSDI that it exacerbated my already fragile mental health. I decided I didn't need to sleep or something, and ended up being Baker Acted. It has come right, but I do so agree with you, the health care system is so broken and so full of uncaring people that when we get hold of someone who DOES actually care, we latch on to them! I hope you get the care you need to relieve your pain and I am with you on your journey; you're a brave woman and a caring and vibrant person! I'm so fortunate to know you! Love, Mary
ReplyDeleteMary, from reading your experiences, I know we have gone through some similar bs when it comes to receiving medical care. I hope our future providers are better.
DeleteMuch love to you, my friend.