Imagine this:
You wake up one day after 60-odd years of life and are exhausted from dealing with chronic back pain. You go to the doctor and he recommends a spinal fusion, your 2nd one at that. You get the surgery done, and wake up the next day and you can no longer walk on your own. You lose coordination, balance, and now are limited to using a walker. They do MRI's and X-rays and can't figure out why. Maybe you threw a clot during surgery? Maybe you suffered a TIA? Or, even worse, maybe the surgeon made a mistake and nicked your spinal cord. However, nothing shows up on the MRI's, the x-rays, the EMGs. Years of suffering, multiple doctors, research (by you and trained medical professionals) and no one can tell you why you still can't walk, have trouble going up and down the stairs, and continue to have back pain.
You invest in braces for your ankles to prevent your foot from dragging. You invest in bracelets that claim that with their "ionic" energy they can restore your balance. You invest time and money in months and months of therapy. Slowly but surely, you can move without your shoulder jumping up towards your ear and your arm bending. You can pedal a stationary bike without intense clonus. You can pick your feet up to get into bed without using your hands. You can go up the stairs with a handrail without having to stop on each step. You can get up off the floor without crawling to the nearest chair. Milestones and improvements, but you can't see the improvement because the most important thing is still missing, you still can't walk. You have to use a walker if you are going more than 5 feet. You can't turn around to sit down without your feet dragging. You can't go grocery shopping or go to a movie without your walker and 45 minutes of extra time. You are frustrated, and annoyed, and wonder why you can't function like you used to anymore? Why can't anyone figure out what is wrong with you? Why are you like this? You understand about proprioception, you know the lingo, the AFO's, the clonus, the research. You've looked everything up and now have 5 physicians working on your case. You are terrified you will never walk again, and you have no idea why.
Until today. Today your therapist let go of your hand when you were walking to a chair. And you walked without dragging your feet, without holding onto a walker, a cane, or the hand of a therapist. Slowly, shakily, one step after another - 8 feet became 18 feet. You sit down and your therapist looks at you and simply says "let's think about that for a minute". As tears spring to your eyes, you mutter "wow" and struggle with the emotions. "Now that was something" you say, " there may be hope."
This was my day today. Today a patient's hard work and determination payed off. He walked again, but more than that, he gained hope.
This is why I'm a PT. These are the moments that matter.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Baby Teeth
Today I went to the dentist (groan). On the plus side, it was one of the nicer dentistry experiences I have had. Partly because I knew most of the staff already (from treating them at my work)! It was weird to be the one in the chair... so to speak. They have therapy dogs at their work too, so that was nice!
All dentists should have TV's above the dental chairs. It was great! Instead of looking at a giant face with weird goggles staring at you and sharp metal objects diving in and out towards you, you can watch the home improvement channel (or whatever show features remodeling, or maybe building houses)? That's what I was watching while my teeth were being examined... the only thing I remember is that these people had a bar/countertop that was worth $14,000!!! A COUNTERTOP. Seriously?
Also.... because my new dentist has a TV above the chair, that means she can use her camera to show you exactly what is going on in your mouth. Which is kind of cool, but also kind of grossly weird. In general I'm ok with all the Dr stuff, the poking, prodding, the good, the bad, and the ugly.... but mouths are weird (even when it's my own)! Treating for TMJ is hard because even in PT you have to glove up and stick your fingers in their mouth and hope and pray they don't bite you or gag. Basically, I didn't enjoy seeing my teeth close up on the TV screen above my head!!!
I have to say I do enjoy dentists who talk to you, but then take their prodding hands and their entire garage full of tools out of your mouth so you can talk to them. I take that opportunity to talk a lot and give my jaw a break!! I think my dentist was doing it purposefully so I wouldn't hurt myself, but probably so that we wouldn't torture her at PT tomorrow ;)
Today my dentist told me that I still have two baby teeth! Let me tell you, that is a very strange realization. You think you are all grown up, with a grown up job, in a grown up apartment, living a grown up life... and then BAM! out of nowhere... Baby Teeth!!! The good news is they are hanging in tight for dear life (and I think this is very good as I don't think there are adult teeth below them)! Why aren't your real teeth (not fake teeth like baby teeth) called adult teeth? Anyways.... i still have two baby teeth, tell the tooth fairy not to quit yet!
To celebrate my baby teeth (ok, not really, but it sounds nice) I made a fancy dinner tonight! As in I spiced up some basic stir fry by making my own orange/hoisin/soy sauce with fresh ginger and garlic. It turned out quite delicious!!
That's about all the excitement of my day... stay tuned this week for more updates on the wit and wisdom of my patients.
All dentists should have TV's above the dental chairs. It was great! Instead of looking at a giant face with weird goggles staring at you and sharp metal objects diving in and out towards you, you can watch the home improvement channel (or whatever show features remodeling, or maybe building houses)? That's what I was watching while my teeth were being examined... the only thing I remember is that these people had a bar/countertop that was worth $14,000!!! A COUNTERTOP. Seriously?
Also.... because my new dentist has a TV above the chair, that means she can use her camera to show you exactly what is going on in your mouth. Which is kind of cool, but also kind of grossly weird. In general I'm ok with all the Dr stuff, the poking, prodding, the good, the bad, and the ugly.... but mouths are weird (even when it's my own)! Treating for TMJ is hard because even in PT you have to glove up and stick your fingers in their mouth and hope and pray they don't bite you or gag. Basically, I didn't enjoy seeing my teeth close up on the TV screen above my head!!!
I have to say I do enjoy dentists who talk to you, but then take their prodding hands and their entire garage full of tools out of your mouth so you can talk to them. I take that opportunity to talk a lot and give my jaw a break!! I think my dentist was doing it purposefully so I wouldn't hurt myself, but probably so that we wouldn't torture her at PT tomorrow ;)
Today my dentist told me that I still have two baby teeth! Let me tell you, that is a very strange realization. You think you are all grown up, with a grown up job, in a grown up apartment, living a grown up life... and then BAM! out of nowhere... Baby Teeth!!! The good news is they are hanging in tight for dear life (and I think this is very good as I don't think there are adult teeth below them)! Why aren't your real teeth (not fake teeth like baby teeth) called adult teeth? Anyways.... i still have two baby teeth, tell the tooth fairy not to quit yet!
To celebrate my baby teeth (ok, not really, but it sounds nice) I made a fancy dinner tonight! As in I spiced up some basic stir fry by making my own orange/hoisin/soy sauce with fresh ginger and garlic. It turned out quite delicious!!
That's about all the excitement of my day... stay tuned this week for more updates on the wit and wisdom of my patients.
Monday, January 24, 2011
The Outrageous Flirtatiousness and also Sexism of Old Men (quotes from the clinic)
"It feels better after a hot shower" - patient
"Have you ever tried ice?" - me
"Well, I have to admit it, I do use ice in my Dr. Pepper" - patient (in all seriousness)
"From 0 - 10, if 0 is no pain and 10 is call 911, how bad is your pain at it's worst?" - me
"My wife is going to get mad at me (wife is sitting next to patient) but you see, I used to be a trucker. And I'm going to try not to offend you ma'am, you are a lady, and my wife is going to get mad at me, but you see, well, it hurts like a SOB(whispered). I'm sorry ma'am, and my wife is going to get mad, but I'm not that good with the english language, and I've always been slow, and being around pretty girls like yourself make me babble even more." - patient (~ 70 years old)
Next Visit:
"Ma'am, you're in trouble today because my wife isn't here. I was ok last visit because she was here, but let me tell you, you have the most soothing voice. And your eyes, they are this nice mahogany and green! You better be careful, because you know I used to be a trucker, and I'll try to not offend you ma'am, but I have a difficult time around pretty girls"
45 minutes later after managing to get him to do exercises:
"OK sir, these are really important to do at home. They will help you get stronger so you won't have as much pain. I'm going to give you a handout. Do you have any questions for me?" - me
Patient grabs my hand and holds it. "Why aren't you engaged yet? I'm sorry ma'am, but I love holding the hand of a pretty girl"
"ummm Thank you? Do you understand the exercises?" - me
patient grinning up at me: "oh.. sure!"
"Here, hold my hand" - me, helping a patient navigate steps
"I want to hold your hand! You know... that would make a great song" - my adorable patient who is wonderful!
The Life of a new grad PT who apparently looks like she is 7 is never dull!
(from an awesome blog: http://thisisindexed.com/ )
"Have you ever tried ice?" - me
"Well, I have to admit it, I do use ice in my Dr. Pepper" - patient (in all seriousness)
"From 0 - 10, if 0 is no pain and 10 is call 911, how bad is your pain at it's worst?" - me
"My wife is going to get mad at me (wife is sitting next to patient) but you see, I used to be a trucker. And I'm going to try not to offend you ma'am, you are a lady, and my wife is going to get mad at me, but you see, well, it hurts like a SOB(whispered). I'm sorry ma'am, and my wife is going to get mad, but I'm not that good with the english language, and I've always been slow, and being around pretty girls like yourself make me babble even more." - patient (~ 70 years old)
Next Visit:
"Ma'am, you're in trouble today because my wife isn't here. I was ok last visit because she was here, but let me tell you, you have the most soothing voice. And your eyes, they are this nice mahogany and green! You better be careful, because you know I used to be a trucker, and I'll try to not offend you ma'am, but I have a difficult time around pretty girls"
45 minutes later after managing to get him to do exercises:
"OK sir, these are really important to do at home. They will help you get stronger so you won't have as much pain. I'm going to give you a handout. Do you have any questions for me?" - me
Patient grabs my hand and holds it. "Why aren't you engaged yet? I'm sorry ma'am, but I love holding the hand of a pretty girl"
"ummm Thank you? Do you understand the exercises?" - me
patient grinning up at me: "oh.. sure!"
"Is your name Dr. Bullshit?!" - crotchety old man patient
"well no sir, but I do have a BS!" - what I should have said, but unfortunately didn't at the time.
next visit:
"how are you today?" - me
" Look... i'm 67. and you are 7. I have health problems. I don't sleep well. How do you think I am?" - patient
(Ughhhhh!)
"Here, hold my hand" - me, helping a patient navigate steps
"I want to hold your hand! You know... that would make a great song" - my adorable patient who is wonderful!
The Life of a new grad PT who apparently looks like she is 7 is never dull!
Preventative Medicine:
(from an awesome blog: http://thisisindexed.com/ )
I'm baaaack!
Surprise!!! you thought I had left you, didn't you? Well my faithful friends, I'm baaaack!
So since I have last left you, I went home to a very Southern Pines Christmas, spent quality time with friends, celebrated a new year, and began new adventures in skiing and independence as a PT! Instead of droning on and on... I will briefly leave you with some highlights and reflections (mostly in photos of course).
I then returned to the Springs for work... had a very uneventful New Year... there weren't even fireworks! I should clarify. New Years Eve was the balmy temperature of -2 degrees. I put on my shiny gold shirt (read - tank top) and black sweater and drove to downtown CoSprings (5 minutes from my house) for a jam packed night of crazy people, crazy dancing, and absolutely freezing anytime I stepped outside (which sadly was entirely too often). I went to this absolutely absurd club with a friend from work, where we danced all night and watched ridiculous people make fools of themselves. THen I frantically ran outside at midnight (like I said, freeeezing!) looking for the fireworks from the Atamans (guys who hike up PIke's Peak to light fireworks on New Years)... and was sadly disappointed. Apparently it was too cold and windy for them to make it to the top. Oh well! Maybe next year?!
Since then, I worked a week by myself when my bosses went on vacation. It was definitely a learning experience, but mostly I did ok!
I am also so far meeting my New Years Resolution of skiing every weekend the slopes are open. 4 for 4! Going on 5 this weekend hopefully. Here are some cool photos from our Vail weekend. I am lucky enough to work in a profession where your clients (patients) give you amazing things. For example, one of our patients (who I haven't even worked with) offered us her house in Vail whenever we want to go! Needless to say it was amazing!
In other news: I have recently purchased a plane ticket to Sweden to visit one of my best friends who is learning to be a glass blower there! I'm not going until June, but I'm so excited I'm already trying to figure out what I should wear. (absurd I know!)
Next up: The Outrageous Flirtatiousness and also Sexism of Old Men. (the life of a new grad)
So since I have last left you, I went home to a very Southern Pines Christmas, spent quality time with friends, celebrated a new year, and began new adventures in skiing and independence as a PT! Instead of droning on and on... I will briefly leave you with some highlights and reflections (mostly in photos of course).
 |
| Christmas morning bike drive - dropping off old bikes for the neighborhood kids! |
 |
| My sister made me this awesome painting for my apartment! |
 |
| Loving the new puppy. Sadly he had to have emergency on Christmas Eve - but is all recovered now and doing wonderfully! |
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| Southern Pines Winter Wonderland! |
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| Sign at the Pinehurst inn. |
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| I got to spend quality time with friends!! (and isn't the puppy cute?!) |
I then returned to the Springs for work... had a very uneventful New Year... there weren't even fireworks! I should clarify. New Years Eve was the balmy temperature of -2 degrees. I put on my shiny gold shirt (read - tank top) and black sweater and drove to downtown CoSprings (5 minutes from my house) for a jam packed night of crazy people, crazy dancing, and absolutely freezing anytime I stepped outside (which sadly was entirely too often). I went to this absolutely absurd club with a friend from work, where we danced all night and watched ridiculous people make fools of themselves. THen I frantically ran outside at midnight (like I said, freeeezing!) looking for the fireworks from the Atamans (guys who hike up PIke's Peak to light fireworks on New Years)... and was sadly disappointed. Apparently it was too cold and windy for them to make it to the top. Oh well! Maybe next year?!
Since then, I worked a week by myself when my bosses went on vacation. It was definitely a learning experience, but mostly I did ok!
I am also so far meeting my New Years Resolution of skiing every weekend the slopes are open. 4 for 4! Going on 5 this weekend hopefully. Here are some cool photos from our Vail weekend. I am lucky enough to work in a profession where your clients (patients) give you amazing things. For example, one of our patients (who I haven't even worked with) offered us her house in Vail whenever we want to go! Needless to say it was amazing!
 |
| You can see the CATs grooming the slopes behind the shiny tree. |
It's a little grainy because I took it with my phone, but a very pretty fire/water fountain!
In other news: I have recently purchased a plane ticket to Sweden to visit one of my best friends who is learning to be a glass blower there! I'm not going until June, but I'm so excited I'm already trying to figure out what I should wear. (absurd I know!)
Next up: The Outrageous Flirtatiousness and also Sexism of Old Men. (the life of a new grad)
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