Tell me more (about SB) Mondays

It can be a pleasant surprise to look at the list of patients that will be seen for the day at work and see a familiar name.  It can be an old neighbor, someone from church, or simply an old friend.

Today at work there was a name on the list, Sue Kusner.  Man oh man did that name sound familiar.  I wracked my brain to try and recall the association.  Someone I worked with before?  A name I knew from Ted?  One of my daughter’s teachers?  I was stumped.  But it nagged at me because it sounded so familiar.

After her surgery was complete, Sue was in my care.  She didn’t look familiar … well maybe a little.  I told her point blank that her name sounded familiar and I asked her where she worked.  At this point, of course, she had the opportunity to recognize me – but as I was in surgical bonnet and garb – there was just my face – no hair – and I was hiding behind large reading glasses.  She listed off several places she had worked – listing a couple of medical facilities.  After a few minutes exchange where we both pretty much gave up with the possibility of any connection, my co-worker said to Sue, “Didn’t you say you were a physical therapist?” “Yes,” she replied, “At Detroit Children’s Rehab.”

LIGHTBULB MOMENT!

“Oh my gosh!” I replied.  “Did you ever work with Amanda Greshel?”

Now it was Sue’s turn for the LIGHTBULB MOMENT.

“Yes!” she cried.  “Oh my gosh,” she continued, “I came to your house to do physical therapy with Amanda!  Does she still have her service dog?”

We were practically shouting with excitement at each other and got everyone in recovery listening in and smiling.  “Now I recognize your smile!” she said.  “This moment deserves a hug,” she gushed.  And we did.

So now how does this story fit with the “Tell me more about SB Monday” theme?  It does in the following two big points I want to share.

POINT NUMBER ONE:  With all the complications that occur with a diagnosis of spina bifida, did you know that the list of professionals that one sees can include any and all of these:

Physiatrists coordinate the rehabilitation efforts of different therapists and prescribe specific therapies, adaptive equipment, or medications to encourage as high of a functional performance within the community as possible.

Orthopedists monitor growth and development of bones, muscles, and joints.

Neurosurgeons perform surgeries at birth and manage complications associated with tethered cord and hydrocephalus.

Neurologists treat and evaluate nervous system issues, such as seizure disorders.

Urologists to address kidney, bladder, and bowel dysfunction – many will need to manage their urinary systems with a program of catheterization. Bowel management programs aimed at improving elimination are also designed.

Orthotists design and customize various types of assistive technology, including braces, crutches, walkers, and wheelchairs to aid in mobility. As a general rule, the higher the level of the spina bifida defect, the more severe the paralysis, but paralysis does not always occur. Thus, those with low levels may need only short leg braces, whereas those with higher levels do best with a wheelchair, and some may be able to walk unaided.

Physical therapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, and speech/language pathologists aid in rehabilitative therapies and increase independent living skills.

So if you wonder why those people with spina bifida seem like they are always running to a doctor’s appointment – well now you know why!

POINT NUMBER TWO  People with spina bifida have the opportunity to work with so many wonderful people!  The professionals who devote their lives and hearts to the special needs of those with spina bifida are precious and cherished.  And like Sue – remembered!  (Well – it DID take a few minutes – but she was always just wonderful with helping Amanda!)

Thanks Sue!

Just Laurel