Have you ever been brought down by some incident that you never thought you could overcome? Scoliosis at two years old meant nothing to me. As I continued older, the curve was getting worse. My parents kept taking me to get it checked until the doctors said I should start wearing a brace to slow the curve, little did I know, that was not the end of my problems, only the beginning. After four years with multiple braces my parents took me to A. I. DuPont hospital. I went there for a year but then my parents ended up getting a divorce. I stopped going to the doctors. In the meantime, my curve was getting worse and I couldn't even sit for five minutes. My dad then took me to Geisinger where they told me I needed immediate surgery because my spine …show more content…
Learning how to move was my first goal. The doctors came to my bedside the day after surgery and told me if I wanted to get out quick and go on a fast recovery, I would have to push myself. One foot at a time I kept trying to excel. Pushing myself from the start of recovery to the end, made me understand that if I take that approach in life and my goals, I will be able to conquer anything I set my mind to. After the surgery I was not able to do the things that I wanted. Volleyball was approaching quickly and all I wanted was to play. Due to my surgery though, I was not able. I noticed that I would have to put my health first and then slowly progress to my wants. Each day I practiced for short intervals. Although I started my volleyball career late, it taught me things may not happen the way you would like but in the long run it can help throughout life. One of the things I have learned from this experience is to always work hard and not give up. I kept this in mind through my recovery process and still continue to use it and motivate me today. If I would have given up at any time during my recovery or leading up to it I would not be where I am today. This statement not only goes for a recovery process but towards my goals in life. I know that if I continue to work hard in academics and sports nothing will stop
When I think about the moments leading up to my diagnosis I remember feeling weak, confused, shaky and sleepy. I did not notice that I had began sleeping throughout the day. My body was craving soft drinks like soda and juice but not food. Days would go by and I eventually fell into a deep slumber that I found myself only waking up from to use the bathroom. I knew something was wrong and that if I did not get to a hospital it would get worse. Nothing could have prepared me for the life changing diagnosis I would receive.
Overcoming an addiction to alcohol can be a long and bumpy road. Many people feel that it is impossible to overcome an alcohol addiction. Many people feel that is it easier to be an addict than to be a recovering addict. However, recovering from alcoholism is possible if one is ready to seek the help and support they need on their road to recovery. Recovery is taking the time to regain one’s normal mind, health and strength. Recovery is process. It takes time to stop the alcohol cravings and pressure to drink. For most, rehab and professional help is needed, while others can stop drinking on their own. Recovery never ends. After rehab, professional help or quitting on your own, many people still need help staying sober. A lot of time, recovering
When I was five years old,I had my first fracture, I fell off my brother’s tricycle while I was standing on it to reach for the light switch, I fell right on my left arm which resulted in fracture of my humerus and damage to my elbow ligaments, my arm was immobilized in a cast for about six weeks, after the cast was removed, I could not flex my elbow at all, I also had difficulty using my arm, I started range of motion and strengthening exercise till my arm was back to normal, it was a difficult but enjoyable process as well and I felt so proud of myself. This led me to find an interest in rehabilitation. I pursued this path and earned a B.A. in physiotherapy with the hope of improving the lives of others.
I was about ten years old and in the fifth grade. My mother had just picked me up from school that day and had bought me some delicious popcorn. I could not wait to get home to pop my popcorn, and we lived all the way in Rose Hill, Alabama. I was getting pretty restless by the time we got home.
It’s amazing how a horrific and negative life changing event can encourage and guide you in the path of your future. The end result may not be visible when it first takes place, but the process of a recovery can be extremely educational. You see, I was provided the opportunity of job shadowing firsthand the fields of athletic training and physical therapy due to a knee injury. I believe the majority of people would consider a severely damaged knee a dramatic setback in life. I was able to find the silver lining during the recovery.
Spending a day in the Operation Room was very interesting and educational experience. I saw two procedures that were performed on the heart and the lung. The surgeon performed three different procedures on the patient’s heart, and at the end seeing how the aortic valve worked in person was awesome. The second procedure I got to observe was a Transbronchial Biopsy, which I thought was very cool procedure. On the other hand, I thought I was going to pass out on the open-heart surgery, but it turned out seeing a lung full of tumor and taking samples of that tumor made me squeamish.
This experience happened doing my fourth surgical procedure so it was not exposure to a new or unfamiliar situation. I would attribute my abnormal behavior as a reaction to anesthesia, but unfortunately this experience has become a new normal for me post-surgery. My behavior took place after I received the pre-surgery anesthesia, and as I was entering the operating room. This was the first time that I was not fully under before being moved to the operating room. Something different happened during this procedure and upon entering the operating room, I experienced extreme anxiety/claustrophobia or most likely panic attack when I observed what appeared to me as the tiniest room ever. Psychically, I tried to get up from the bed as I desperately wanted to get out of the room and far away. I experienced a racing heart rate, my chest being squeezed tightly as if to remove all remaining air, and extreme fear as it felt like the medical personnel were restraining me while they placed the gas mask on, end of recollection. Fast forward to recovery approximately 8 hours after a normal 2-hour procedure. The procedure went as expected, it was post recovery where I encountered complications. [Post-surgery remarks explained to me by medical staff and wife] during recovery, it was as if I were
As a graduate of the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Physician Associate Program, I envision fulfilling the program’s Mission by applying my acquired knowledge to diverse healthcare experiences. In order to be an outstanding clinician, I feel it is imperative to have a strong understanding of various medical fields. Thus, I intend to first practice as a PA in a primary care office to solidify my knowledge of multiple fields. Subsequently, I aspire to practice as an active PA in the military. The autonomy in medical decision making of a military PA is substantial and will help instill confidence in my clinical skills as well as enhance my leadership skills. I will then continue serving my community by either working as a
It’s a scary thing to stand before a mirror and realize that the face you have known all your life is about to be altered permanently. It’s scarier to know that the situation is your own doing.
The timing was horrible, because I was immobile and was not able to do everyday necessities without having help. With the physical change I felt inadequate because I was a burden to my family, friends, and teachers. My psychological journey lasted over four years during which in time, my identity was being transformed from an athlete to a “nerd”. With my identity being questioned, I fell into what Harris describes as the “abyss”. Looking back now, I can see this was the turning point and that the pain was temporary. I had to discard my athletic demeanor and put more emphasis on my scholastic abilities for my future. I agree with Harris’s thoughts of, “reframing [from] negative, painful events in our lives, reinterpreting wounds so that they become starting points for growth” (Gestalt’s 3), and feel that I have used his ideas to become who I am today. At that time in my life I did not know Harris 's thoughts but I did know I had to think positive about my injuries or I would have ended up losing
I woke up in post-op with my mom at my side. “Mom, that laughing gas is some messed up stuff.” I said woozily. My mom smiled and nodded. A nurse came over, “Is she speaking gibberish?” My mom laughed lightly and responded, “She hasn’t stopped talking since 9 months. And now’s no exception.” I went back home with two stitches on either side of my stomach and one in my belly button. My stomach swelled around the stitches and everything hurt. I smelled like antiseptic soap blended with honey and expired milk. I wanted to take a shower, but the residual drowsiness of anesthesia clung to me like a needy boyfriend. I slept all day, only waking up for eating. Even the next morning, some effect of the anesthesia must have still hung on because I woke
According to the Cambridge Dictionary, surgery is defined as, “the treatment of injuries or diseases by cutting open the body and removing or repairing the damaged part, or an operation of this type (“Surgery Definition”).” In many cases, anesthetics are used to make patients unaware of the procedure. By doing so, the patient cannot feel any pain or recall the surgery, in turn decreasing the trauma experienced by the patient. The increased use of anesthetics has led to the better outcome for the patients undergoing major surgery, allowing them to feel no pain in procedures that were once unbearably painful (Borel).
By then, I would probably die from a pressure sore, kidney failure, or other related complication. That meant my best hope was 15 more years paralyzed. I'm 45 now and can look back on that laughingly. It wasn't so funny then. I spent 6 weeks getting medically stable followed by 4 and a half months in rehabilitation. During that period, there were MANY times when I didn't know if I wanted to go on. What have I done since the accident? I have lived semi-independently for nearly 23 years. In 1985, I graduated the University of Southern Maine with a B.A. in Communication. In 1989, I graduated Regent University in Virginia Beach with an M.A. in Creative Writing/Journalism.
Even if you’ve tried and failed many times before - please don’t give up on yourself. The road to recovery often comes with its fair amount of bumps and challenges. However, by examining the situation and thinking about the changes that need to be made, you’re on your way to a better healthier and happier life.
Because of what I learned from hitting this “hurdle” in life, I have decided to make the most out of the life I have been given. Overcoming the adversity of losing a loved one has not only challenged me, but has given me a perspective and wisdom that most people are only able to learn through challenges like this one. Life is unpredictable. Like hurdles, life evokes fear, strength, and courage. Life is often like a race, everyone is forced to face their own obstacles, however, like Nelson Mandela once said, “Our greatest glory lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” Throughout life, everyone is bound to face their own set of hurdles, however, the important part is learning to get up, keep moving, and apply what was learned from the experience to overcoming the next