Reason #278 why I love my job.
By: Kristin Coleman, PTA
A few hours after my patient left the clinic for treatment, I got a call that filled my bucket. Earlier in the day, I met with this patient to treat her lower leg and foot pain. I have been treating her for a few weeks now with good results, and she reports that she has had a lot less debilitating pain to touch and cramping for the first time in years. Usually, calls like this make me happy and reassure me that I’m doing my job, but there was more this time.
I look forward to calls from patients with whom I built great relationships. I enjoy that they keep me informed, but this call was even more special. I was anxiously waiting to hear back from her all day, then finally, I received an update. You see, earlier that day, she came in reporting high sensitivity to touch like she has a few other times and especially when she first started. She told me it was nothing, but my gut told me otherwise as I assessed how her leg looked and felt.
She had more redness than usual, and the lower inside of her ankle and the tissue I had felt and massaged multiple times felt different, more firm, and swollen. I told her I was concerned and should get it checked out ASAP. She wasn’t particularly happy she wasn’t getting her normal leg rubbed that day but understood.
My heart broke as she told me that she didn’t want to miss her weekly hair appointment (something she looks forward to as much as seeing me at PT) that she refused to reschedule despite typical Michigan winter weather watch for later that day. I know how important that is to her, but I felt strongly that something wasn’t right. She chose to trust me and told me she would go straight to her doctor. (Still hoping she’d have time to make it to the hair appointment)
Well, back to the call and why I was reminded why I love my job yet again. She wanted to call to let me know and thank me for the concern and for preventing something possibly worse. The first thing she said was, thank you! And that she was told she has thrombosis (aka blood clot) and that the doctor was very concerned it could break loose and was told to rest and was given medications.
Did I mention the best part that this wonderful lady is full of life, strong, and independent 95 years old that brings us hilarious jokes every visit? She could run circles around some 60-year-olds. Her determination and strength are refreshing and admirable. I feel so blessed by her phone call and to know I played a part in her continuing to live her best life. That is number #278 of why I love my job.