Lessons from an accident #2
#Depression #Anxiety #Relationships #FamilyAndFriends #Trauma #MentalHealth
Its been more than 3 months since an accident at a gym upended my world. I am still attending rehabilitation twice a week and need a crutch to move about.
This accident meant I have now had 9 surgeries in the last 3 years. One of the important lessons I have learnt is that when a nurse or doctor is standing in front of me, they cannot read my mind. It is up to me to answer their questions as accurately and honestly as I can.
I recall that after a triple heart bypass my daughter said to a nurse that if I tell them my pain level is 5 then it really is 7. She said to them I will always minimise your responses because I don't want to be a bother.
Sadly she is right. With this latest bout of surgeries I have strived to be as honest as I can. There is no glory in trying to "tough" out pain. After 3 months I am really over pain and restriction but I am being honest with my family and the medical staff about how I am doing.
When we are upfront about our health we are opening ourselves to more appropriate help and greater assistance. You are not a nuisance. You are not defective. You are human, just like everybody else.
