Hello from the mini-Acre on West Sterner Avenue,
I have to admit today that I am missing my house, and the fire pit area. And yet, I am very pleased with the new (now perhaps not new as it is almost two years ago that I left there) place and what has been accomplished. I need to thank so many people for where I am and how things are going. And yet, as some are aware, the last two months have been a bit of a rollercoaster. Yesterday, I was reminded in ways not anticipated how fragile life is. I am still reeling from the story I listened to, but more significantly to the emotions that came through on so many levels from this amazing woman is quite unlike anything I have experienced since perhaps my clergy times. It seems I’ve found more occasions than usual where I have been confronted with our temporal fragility. From lists of classmates no longer in our physical space to a belated watching of a memorial service of a former colleague (a generation younger), from phone notifications of others involved in accidents to unexpected stories of serious or terminal illnesses, it would be easy to develop a rather macabre perspective on daily existence, and yet, simultaneously and instantaneously, I am reminded of the miraculous ability of our medical ingenuity.
As noted previously, I’ve spent some significant time with my various medical team members attempting to figure out my miraculously altered, and still functioning anatomy. From the first day of physical presence to this morning, my body has managed to provide what is needed for daily existence, certainly not always in a typical or expected manner, but my very writing of this post in a cogent manner is proof of the miraculous ability of our bodies. If I seriously consider my premature arrival and the first approximate 18 months of life, both the singular birthing and subsequent likelihood of less-than-stellar care or nutrition are likely to show a direct cause/effect nature of how our gestation and earliest development have life-long repercussions. This was not clearly evident until the head of neurology at our local medical center spoke to me following a somewhat significant event shortly after my return to Pennsylvania to teach at Bloomsburg. After looking at my MRI as well as previous film from a decade earlier, he said, “The very fact you are functioning as a capable human is a miracle; you could have easily had CP, been grossly [mentally disabled] (he actually used a different term), or other maladies is astounding. And instead your present as an incredibly intelligent person with a PhD. I think what caused his assessment to sort of be overlooked was he found a spot of concern on my face under my eye. That would be biopsied and I would have a MOHS procedure done in the next hour or so. I looked liked I got into a fight and forgot to punch.
As I take on yet another battle in my continuing health journey, it is impossible to not be aware of how our changing abilities to respond offers opportunities to manage things before unmanageable, and yet at what cost? While some of the recording of what my body does is mind boggling, and the pharmaceutical options are astounding in their ability to bring my body into balance (and there is a literal sense to all of this). And yet the drugs, on one hand do have consequences know while the other drug is so new there are no long term studies though it seems to be a somewhat wonder drug. There is the actual cost without insurance, which I do not pay, but the cost per month is more than I could imagine trying to pay. While I am well aware of the stories of how people are forced into life- changing decisions regarding medication, it seems I too could, more likely than not, be such a person. In fact, I was encouraged to begin a couple of the drugs because trying to begin them on Medicare is much more arduous. The reality of such a statement is ludicrous, but that is the cost of maintaining one’s health in America. This is not a new understanding, but it is a new personal realization, and that is in spite of being significantly acquainted with the reality of hospitals, doctors, and a plethora of health care people for half of my life. It does not go unnoticed that with one rather memorable exception, I have been profoundly fortunate that the 100s of 1000s of dollars have been covered. My consideration of coverage and what happens with my life has most often been simply pay my deductibles. Again, I know that is not the experience of many.
This time, in spite of no hospitalizations, has been more eye-opening than probably 98% of my medical interactions. Perhaps my first major surgery in December of 1986 is more extreme in terms of a shock to my daily reality. There is also a reality for me in that surgery was the beginning of much of current difficulty. It was the first of numerous intestinal surgeries that would revise my GI track in some substantial manner. At the time, barely into my 30s, I realized the seriousness of such a substantive revision, but I am quite sure I had no inkling of what could follow. And now, more surgeries than I have fingers; more procedures than I have fingers and toes; and numerous complications of the complications (seriously), the teamwork and attention of so many doctors, specialists, or nurses as well as the care of friends and family has been tremendous, and they deserve so much credit and appreciation for the fact I am sitting on a plane writing this today. . . . So I am four days into a return visit to places I first experienced as an 18-19 year old. At that point I was amazed at the beauty and cultural differences of the 50th state. My exploration of the big island was always with my fellow Marines, and it was a different time in our world. This visit I am still stunned by the incredible beauty of the water, but I did not remember the black beaches. And while I visited both Kona and Hilo, but I do not remember anything as I have returned. Again, of course, it is a half century, and I am quite sure I was walking different parts of both cities as a young military person. What I know now is some medical things experienced even then were precursors of what would happen in the decades to come. As far as my return to Hawaii, it is nice to return, but I do not need to do it again anytime soon. Again, the beauty and experience has been quite eye-opening. I think I am content to be a mainlander.
Even today, I was working with local pharmacies to manage today’s medical requirements. I am fortunate we have the connections and capabilities today. I was able to get what I need to manage my daily monitoring. Even more helpful was my ability to get only one instead of all three. It will suffice in getting me home. I will need to plan more effectively going forward, but that is on me and not the fault of the medical establishment. Even as I have tried to work with various pharmacies, I was reminded of how fortunate I am to have the latest available options. Not every pharmacy had that available or in stock. Likewise to have the money for a single part of the larger typical 3-pack was fortunate because it is not inexpensive. The four prescriptions that are now required are beyond expensive, but at least currently I am still employed and have insurance. The reality of what is to come, however, is not unnoticed, and something that must be considered.
We are amazing and incredible resilient instruments. I have lived that resiliency and continue to do so. When I get home, I have more appointments to schedule, but the complexity of scheduling has become infinitely more difficult. Because of some requirements, I have to schedule other things, which will take significant time into 12 hour windows that only occur every 10 days. Because of some pills, I have to schedule food and such around all of that. More over, most importantly, this is not something to take lightly. What I am profoundly aware of is this: in spite of the unparalleled manner by body has adapted over the last three decades, it now needs additional help. And yet medical advances made the possible management once again within reach. Yet again, it seems that adage is still needing to grade papers is still true. For whatever reason, I have been given the continuing option of living life with a great degree of normalcy. Once again, I have been provided the profound gift of continuing a life of purpose and promise. To all of my medical attendants, pharmacists, physicians, and caregivers, both personal and professional: thank you seems tremendously inadequate. And yet, it is what a offer. With gratitude and humility, I say thank you and bless each of you for giving me so many chances to stay alive and productive, to live a life of promise and hope. It is a wonderful world.
Thank you for reading.
Dr.Martin
thewritingprofessor55 
Dr. Martin,
Our world is ever-changing, all around us, all the time; including in medicine, as you’ve stated. I consider myself to be lucky to be watching it unfold from the inside. I’ll take COVID-19 as an example; when I began my journey into nursing school, I was a senior in high school. I took classes necessary to get a head start on my education, which was during a time when COVID-19 was not yet prevalent. As an athlete, I spent time in doctors’ offices for physicals, checkups, and the occasional visit for an injury, all without the use of a mask. As I headed into college, COVID-19 was in full force, and our healthcare changed juristically from that. Beds in hospitals were filling up due to the overcrowding of people with a sickness we just didn’t understand yet; to this day, our healthcare system is ever changed; In clinical, we watch daily for cases of COVID-19 to come in and make sure we’re readily available when needed to “gown-up” to help our nurses and doctors. Sure, we take precautions with any impending disease or condition, but our pandemic also shifted things in the medical world.
I appreciate your vulnerability to your audience about your medical journey; I’m sure it can’t be easy, and I sympathize with you. I also have immense gratitude towards healthcare staff that I’ve learned to show through my own struggles. As a junior in high school, I started dealing with issues regarding my genitourinary system. I bounced around from urologist to urologist, trying to find answers; each sending me on my way with no hope left. I was misdiagnosed with a condition called interstitial cystitis, and I spent months on medications that did nothing for me. I finally landed in the office of a fantastic urologist who spent time and effort into my ongoing problem, who eventually, with many tests and trials, led to a diagnosis. I was 18 at the time of my diagnosis of neurogenic bladder, which deals with the sacral nerve not sending signals to my brain, and I still, to this day, am scared. In April of 2022, I had an Interstim implant put in to send signals to my brain, and while I’m still not used to it, I’m beyond grateful to have it.
Your words yield a great deal of compassion and trust toward healthcare staff, which makes it all the more worthwhile to finish my degree and help people the way caregivers helped you. While there is still bad in the world, I find it so important to see the good in it as well; a little something I learned from my mom, who continually is my rock and the best caregiver I could ask for.
I always enjoy your writing; thanks for sharing a part of you.
Dr. Martin,
I once again applaud you for being so open and honest about your struggles with your health condition and being fortunate enough to get expensive medicine for free. The medical world has changed drastically in the past 3 years. Thinking back to all of the craziness that was COVID-19, we had to get tons of injections that would help save us. Thankfully, I never got COVID-19 but my roommate, from Australia, got it during Halloween of last year. It was weird because even though I was living in the same space that she was, I never got it. I thought about why that might have been considering I have a compromised immune system but I had just gotten by booster shot about a week before she tested positive for COVID-19. It might just be a hunch but the fact that a booster shot “saved” me from getting COVID-19 is astounding.
Going back to a year after COVID-19 affected school districts, I was in my junior year of high school. I was about a month or 2 into the school year whenever I was pulled into the auditorium with about 100 other students (there were about a 1,000 students in the school at the time) to tell us that we might have been in contact with someone that tested positive for COVID-19. Like I previously mentioned, I have a compromised immune system and all I heard about COVID-19 was all of the deaths what were coming from it. I did test negative but I decided to go online for the rest of the school year so I wouldn’t have another scare.
COVID-19 is just one of the examples of medical professions making a difference and help those who need it. The one thing that we can’t stop is old age. Yesterday, I got a call from my Pap-pap (my grandfather) and he was with my great-grandmother. She just wanted to make sure I got my birthday money and my birthday card. I was talking to her a little bit, just trying to make conversation and I asked what she was going to do today and if she was just going to stay in bed all day. She responded saying that she couldn’t go down the stairs anymore and she can’t see. This was a shock for me considering I had no idea about any of this. I asked my mom about this and she said that this has been going on and to remember she is almost 100 years old (she is currently 98). This is something that medical professionals strive to help with. Just helping those with old age live the best lives you can and to remember that it is going to happen someday.
On a more happy note, I understand not knowing if you are going to be a healthy baby. I was born on my due date but because of how I was born, I was sent to the ICU for a few days. My father was born 3 months before his due date and they are still shocked that he is alive and well. The medical world is a great place to help others and only a few people can go through with the vigorous training. Those who do succeed and are able to make a difference, I give my thanks and I hope that you are able to help save lives.
Thank you very much for your time and sharing with us.
Dear Dr.Martin,
Thank you for sharing your heartfelt reflections and experiences in your blog post. It’s clear that you have been on a challenging and transformative journey with your health, and you have gained a deep appreciation for the fragility and resilience of life.
Your acknowledgment of the miraculous ability of our bodies to adapt and function, even in the face of significant challenges, is truly inspiring. It’s a testament to the power of medical ingenuity and the dedicated efforts of your medical team. The fact that you have overcome obstacles and achieved remarkable things, including earning a PhD, despite the potential difficulties you could have faced is a testament to your strength and determination.
It’s unfortunate that the cost and accessibility of healthcare in America can pose additional burdens and challenges. The reality of having to make life-changing decisions based on financial considerations is something that many people face, and it’s an issue that needs attention and reform. Your personal realization of these circumstances adds another layer of understanding to the broader healthcare system.
As you continue on your health journey, it’s evident that you approach it with gratitude and a sense of responsibility. Your appreciation for the support of your medical team, friends, and family is evident, and they have played a crucial role in your ability to continue living a life of purpose and promise.
Your reflections on returning to Hawaii and experiencing both its beauty and the changes in your perspective over time provide a glimpse into the profound impact that life experiences can have on us. It’s natural to find contentment in your mainland life, appreciating the beauty and experiences you encounter there.
In closing, I commend you for your resilience, gratitude, and humility throughout your journey. Your ability to find gratitude amidst challenges and to acknowledge the efforts of those who have supported you is truly inspiring. May you continue to live a life filled with purpose, promise, and the appreciation of the wonderful world around you.
With warm regards,
Anna Curry
Good morning from the lounge area of my second full-time EMS job at the Pleasant Gap Fire Department, (an hour and change away from my home), as I work a 24-hour shift that required me to wake up at 0400 this morning.
Thank you for sharing this blog with us – it is very insightful.
The first thought that went through my head as I read was about how I would love to spend months on end traveling, but I too would deeply miss being home. Albeit I couldn’t make it a month without coming home from college, and I was only four hours away! Emphasis on the only – I looked into schools that were ironically in Hawaii, so in comparison, Baltimore is quite close, but the four hours seemed longer and longer each trip.
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I witness firsthand the “miraculous ability of our medical ingenuity.” I have been the patient, I have been the loved one of patients who go through miraculous medical procedures and surgeries, and I see it each day in my career. For example, my great-grandmother only has a sliver of one kidney. She had one removed when she was younger, and I’m not sure how long ago she got most of the other removed. This has always amazed me – your kidneys are the main filter system of your body; they remove waste and regulate the body’s salt, potassium, and acid content. You cannot live without your kidneys like you can a spleen or a gallbladder. While it is possible to live a healthy, normal life with only one kidney, it is very rare to be as healthy as my great-grandmother with less than one.
Her daughter, my grandmother, has Crohn’s. She has had many surgeries throughout her life to manage this chronic disease (as you know too). My heart hurts for people that experience all debilitating conditions, but especially this one. My grandfather has suffered from many conditions as well, including colon cancer and prostate cancer. Just last week, he was in the emergency department for a bowel blockage that was caused by scar tissue from his colon cancer.
As I continue my own joyous life and multiply the experiences I have seen or endured, I am also reminded how fragile life is. I have had patients as young as two months old in the back of my ambulance, and I have also had patients over a hundred years old (almost 102, if you were wondering).
I have come to learn that death does not discriminate, and the ones that resonate with you are the ones that are least expected. The two-month-old baby in my ambulance was apneic and pulseless before we arrived on scene – he didn’t deserve to go that soon. My preceptor, the biggest role model and influence for young women in the fire and EMS services, had a lot of life left to live (so it seemed) when she passed away in her sleep of a heart attack. A beautiful classmate of mine was involved in a head-on-collision the week after we graduated from high school, and my best friend was crossing the street in a rural intersection when he was struck by a vehicle. They were both pronounced dead on the scene – two beautiful souls gone far too soon. My heart longs for those who have been affected by such tragedies. My sincerest empathy to you, Dr. Martin.
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Pharmacology is one subject that intrigues me the most. It is fascinating how different patients with the same conditions react to the same medications. It is truly trial-and-error with each medication you will ever take. I went through over a half dozen medications before finding one that worked for me – granted, I was misdiagnosed until a four-hour-long assessment with a neuropsychologist and over a thousand answered questions in surveys. Nonetheless, going through the medication trial-and-error process was exhausting. It was degrading knowing that the same medications that helped people made my problems excruciating.
I was also blessed with insurance through these processes. My insurance covered the assessment with the neuropsychologist (such a rare specialty). Insurance covered the different medications I tried, and they continue to cover my bi-weekly therapy sessions. I am grateful for the help I have received and the diagnoses I have been blessed to discover after years of trying.
Dr. Martin, my thoughts are with you as you continue to manage the forces that are against you. I hope your health continues to improve. Thank you again for sharing this blog.
Thanks for listening to me.
Chloe Neal
I often think about how poor health care is in the United States. Many other countries provide services for free, whereas in the United States we have to pay thousands of dollars for any and all operations and appointments we have. It is even worse for those without insurance, which always baffled me. Some people are unable to get good insurance, or any at all, yet we still charge people so much money for a procedure that can save ones life, medicine that is detrimental for ones health, and appointments that are necessary for some.
As you touch on travel in your post, it makes me want to travel. I have always been interested in traveling the country, as well as visiting others, but I do not have the time nor the money to do so. I have been to a few different states, but not as many as I had hoped. I think travel is important. It can show you that there is more to the world besides the place you’re from. Many parts of the world are beautiful, and I believe everyone should travel somewhere different at least once to take in the new surroundings and reflect on how beautiful our world actually is.
I appreciate you sharing your medical journey and all the ups and downs of it. It is definitely hard to keep track of appointments, medications, and other things relative to a certain diagnosis. While I do not struggle with anything severe, just a poor immune system, I do understand how hard it may be for you. I wish you well and hope your health improves.
Dr. Martin,
It’s an interesting point you bring up about the resilience of our bodies. The idea that we inhabit these ever-functioning bodies for such a long time really seems impossible. Of course, we rest frequently and we go through constant cycles of death and creation on a cellular level.. but we never really stop. Stopping means death. Even less than a single minute without the constant supply of oxygen-rich blood to our brain can make a revived person helpless to function ever again. And then we fight constantly against a world that ultimately aims to destroy us with no concern for the individual.
Being older must have a substantial impact on the way you perceive the time you have left. From a basic statistical ideology, every day the threat of death grows. Maybe you have days or specific events occur where you engage in high-risk behavior, causing a brief spike in our chances of shedding this mortal coil. While anything is possible, there is still an undeniable trend as we move through life that today may just be our last. To think you were at a statistical disadvantage right from birth only complicates these notions further. I suppose that you can embrace all that you survived and channel that into positivity. You could just wallow and brood instead. Maybe that’s what turns someone towards faith. I’m not sure.
Safe travels,
-Logan
It is never easy sharing a personal story, especially regarding your health, so much credit is given to you for that. Thank you for sharing your story and gratitude towards the medical field. By no means is it perfect, but your story shows me that it is worthwhile to go into healthcare to help individuals like you.
I have never truly had major health issues besides when my appendix ruptured as a kid. One thing I remember through it all was the support and reassurance I had throughout my procedures and tests.
I am so sorry your health is testing you, but by the sounds of it, you have an incredible team fighting for you, which is what any patient deserves. You are right, though, that many people do not have the same experiences as you, which is heartbreaking. I have always questioned why patients aren’t compliant with the medications that improve their health or help them recover, but you’re right; so much can be involved with the medicines they take. You have to delegate your time accordingly and even change the time you eat or what you eat. I have been fortunate in having good health, but I’ve recently had to take an antibiotic, and I have to admit that it was hard to take three times a day. I had to set reminders and manage what I ate and at what times.
It is incredible and heartwarming to hear that you have medical professionals fighting for you and in your corner and that you are accountable for your health. I hope your body stays resilient and continues allowing you to affect those around you positively. You are truly inspiring.
Dr. Martin,
It is truly an amazing world of medicine and technology that we live in. I often think about what the world would be like if we had not developed medicine to what it is today, especially in combatting the latest health giant, COVID.
It must be hard sharing such a personal story, and I wish you the best in your recoveries and dealing with your health complications. As you mentioned, we are very lucky to have insurance, as well as the money and resources to get almost any medical treatment that is necessary. I often think about how lucky I am to have good insurance and to have very affordable healthcare all around. I think about people who do not have such resources, and sympathize for them that many times, they can not afford the treatments and medicine they need. I often wonder how it is fair that they are not able to get such treatments but I can. What did I do to deserve being able to have access to healthcare, when they can’t. After all, we are all human and although we are all different, in the grand scheme of things, our bodies are the same. Why does mine get special care when theirs doesn’t? Just because I was fortunate enough to be born into a financially stable family. I did not choose that, but am very thankful for it. Likewise, people do not choose to be born into unfortunate circumstances. It just doesn’t sit right with me that my body is inherently the same as everyone else’s, yet not everyone can get the same care for their body as me.
We are so lucky to have such wonderful healthcare professionals, that for the most part, want what’s best for us and will do whatever they can within their realm of work to help us. There are always some bad apples, yet for the most part healthcare workers are true saints.
I wish you the best in your healthcare challenges and hope that you get to be feeling the best you can as soon as you can. Health of the mind of body is so very important, and I have had my own bout of troubles, but am thankful to be happy and healthy after many years of difficult times. I admire your positive outlook and am rooting for you!
Regards,
Olivia Hubler
Dr. Martin, living next to a hospital and having a town that is full of health care professionals, I often take for garnet how fortunate I am to be healthy and not have to worry about insurance or how I am able to pay for my health care. My parents have not always been so lucky, they grew up in a very different area and time where there was no hospital around and they did not have the money to just go to one whenever they wanted. My fathers side of the family were all coal miners and my moms side were farmers. My parents met in college (both being the first to go) and now both work together in a dental office they own. I never think about things like health insurance or if the meal I am eating for dinner is healthy because I never had to. Yes, my parents do pay for their own health insurance and that of their workers but they never have really complained about it. My father also has cooked us support since I was little and we rarely eat out so I now know how good and healthy the food I have been eating is my entire life. I still live at home so I have never really had a real experience with living outside of my hometown area. I have grown up with all types of doctors in my life and never really gave it a thought of someone from outside the area coming in and being shocked at how complicated human health is. I am fortunate enough to never have had any major health problems that are life threatening, just a couple broken bones. I wish the best of luck to you on your vacation and you health journey and I hope that you have a great summer.
Dr. Martin
Thank you for sharing your incredible health journey and your gratitude towards the medical staff that supported and helped you to recovery.
Our bodies are incredible, and it is amazing how they can recover from many different health problems. Many people take their bodies for granted when they don’t have health difficulties or challenges. This blog has opened my eyes to how grateful I should be for how good my health had been throughout my life. I try my best to take care of my body by eating good and nutritious foods as well moving it daily, I also try to take time in my day for reflection and meditation as mental health is just as important as physical. Growing up I have always been fortunate enough to have insurance which I am very grateful for. When I was younger, I was very closed minded and did not realize that this was a problem for some families. Now that I am older and will be going into the healthcare field, I know that I will run into families that struggle financially with paying for their procedures, or medications that they need. I truly hope that there will be someday soon in the future that healthcare will be free and accessible to everyone.
Best wishes to you!
Dear Dr.Martin,
As I read your blog I could not help but be amazed about how much you have faced and overcame. During our meeting we spoke a lot about your medical issues. We spoke on medical advancements and how you have witnessed the progression/development of the medicine since the 80’s. I applaud you for having such strength to share your challenging journey that has been your life. After reading I truly reflected on how much healthcare has changed and all of the new medical creations that has been introduced into our society.
During my internship with Geisinger over this past summer I had the pleasure of seeing incredible life changing instruments. One of which is called extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). With this instrument hospitals are able to oxygenate, filtrate, and distribute blood throughout ones body. These are functions of the heart, kidney, and lungs all which are vital organs. Although in some stances these organs not functioning correctly at all constitutes a person as being deceased. Using this instrument allows these vital organs to rest and recover from whatever caused them to shut down so that eventually if no further intervention is needed a person should make a full recovery. In the instance that I saw someone on ECMO they were in the process of having an open heart surgery but there were complications. Instead of calling quits or doing nothing further doctors decided to put this patient on ECMO so their body can rest before furthering this difficult operation. Now although this was first introduced in the 70’s for lung function they have further advanced this machine to also do the work of your kidneys and heart. Medical advancements are quite a miracle of science.
We often take for granted our access to healthcare (although in my opinion it is not all that great). The mere ability to walk into an ER and get treated with no questions is a luxury few can say they have. There is a lot of things that can change when talking about America’s healthcare system e.g., affordability, accessibility , focusing on improving health not income, and much more. I grew up in a poor area in New York City and there were many families that I know that til this day refuse to get seen by a doctor for the simple fact of them getting billed. Hospital visits are just the beginning not factoring in the cost of procedures, medications, aftercare, the cost it takes to get back and forth from appointments. For someone who has had such an extensive healthcare journey I am so glad to hear that you received the care you needed and that they went to such measures to ensure your well-being. You are the prime example of our bodies adapting and allowing us to compensate for things that might not be working correctly. You are also the classic exemplar of resilience. From how much you have accomplished despite your medical setbacks there’s no question how incredible our medicine truly is.
Dr. Martin,
That is an incredible and relatable health journey that you have been on. I’m glad the medical staff was able to accommodate you.
Living as a human is no easy feat in today’s world. There are so many types of health issues that we face ranging in levels of severity. These health issues are not easy to deal with and I am amazed by those in the medical field that are able to take care of those in need so efficiently. Possessing the knowledge and capabilities to take of others is something I highly commend them for, as you also mentioned with them being there every step of the way.
The sad part about these resources is that not everyone has the means to deal with these issues. In America, health care isn’t as available to everyone as I feel it should be, and the people who do have it don’t appreciate it enough. This was something that I really took notice of during Covid-19. My grandmother was very sick and our family, as well as extended family was having a hard time paying for it. Unfortunately she passed due to Covid-19, but it made me take notice of those who weren’t taking the virus seriously. Many people weren’t protecting their bodies in the way they should just because they could afford to do so. Some without the means also treated their body with disregard which is sad to see as Americans. Nonetheless, health care shouldn’t be as expensive as it is but I am thankful that we even have the option to go seek it when needed. Affordability is something that can be worked on, but the fact that it is even accessible is enough for now.
With that in mind, I commend you for being as resilient as you have been so far throughout your medical journey. After our talk a couple days ago, it cannot be easy dealing with that on your own while also traveling. I think Americans can take a note from your book and realize how valuable your life is and that in order to live it to the fullest you must nurture your body.
Best wishes,
Olivia Thomas
Dr Martin,
As one of your students, I can’t help but be deeply moved by your reflections and experiences on your life journey with health challenges. This story you shared demonstrates your resilience and how you still find the gratitude in life even with adversity, which is not always easy.
First off, I wanted to point out that your reflection on how fragile life is and the unexpected turns and twists, triggered a thought process I had. I’ve realized that it’s incredibly important to cherish every moment and be grateful for the small things that we take for granted and for those who stick by us through thick and thin. Sometimes we often get lost in the sea of life and worry about what we don’t have or what we need when we fail to realize the several aspects of our life that others would dream to have.
In addition, we should be incredibly grateful of the healthcare professionals we have available to us. They prioritize our well-being and make every effort they can to assist us which shouldn’t be taken for granted. I recall when I had my first operation (appendectomy) and of course, for a 10 year old at that time, it was quite scary. However, after meeting with the health professionals, doctors, and nurses, I was much more settled and ready to go ahead with the operation. Their sympathy and compassion towards a patient they’ve only known for a few hours was truly outstanding and will forever be grateful for their support. Their efforts truly demonstrated what it meant to be a healthcare professional.
It’s definitely unfortunate that not everyone possesses the resources to combat their illnesses and troubles because of the issue of healthcare in the United States. Healthcare remains inaccessible to a large population of our nation, which is certainly a concern that should grab our attention. I believe that those who are facing challenges regarding their health should be met with standard care at no cost and shouldn’t have to worry about the bill that comes in the mail.
In summary, I have to applaud your efforts and resilience up to this point in your life with your challenges and adversity you’ve faced. Many people can learn from your story and realize how fragile life is and how we should never take our precious abilities for granted. You only live once, and so we must remember to live life to the fullest.
Best,
Ziad Zakik
Dr. Martin,
I find this blog post very relatable. Sometimes we forget how fragile life is when everything is great. I believe privilege is invisible to those who have it and we take things for granted. Sometimes we only realize how much something means to us when we lose it. I realized this when I hurt myself almost three weeks ago.
On September 2, 2023, I woke up hungover at 11 am in the morning from a call from my rugby teammate asking me if I had a ride to the game. I didn’t feel like going but I forced myself to. I ended up driving myself to Scranton. That day I was a little bit more nervous than usual. The one thing I didn’t want to happen was to get any leg injuries. Not too long after hopping on the field, I was met with one of my worst fears. After crashing with three other players I heard a couple of pops on my left knee and I was in excruciating pain. That’s when I knew everything would not be the same again.
This is my fourth time getting a leg injury but nothing has come close to the severity of this one. I went straight to the hospital to get seen by a doctor. After an x-ray, the doctor said based on what they saw I had an MCL sprain. I still need to get an MRI to check for any possible tears. After a week of just resting and keeping the pain at a minimum, I got an MRI done. After getting the results, I was devastated. I have a complete tear of my ACL, a grade 3 tear of my MCL, a macerated tear of my meniscus, and a fracture of my femoral condyle weight-bearing surface.
I signed up for the Army 10 Miler race on October 8, 2023, and I was training for it before the injury. A lot of my fitness goals have gone out the window. I had a hard time thinking about how I wanted to move forward in the future. I’ve been a runner for 8 years and I had a lot of goals and dreams I wanted to do. Some of them might not be possible to achieve anymore.
I’m currently doing some physical therapy to get strength and mobility back in my left leg before I can have surgery. I don’t have to get surgery but it is the best chance I have to get close to what I was able to do before. It’s amazing how our body works. I don’t know how but I’m able to walk without crutches now after a lot of icing and rest. I looked into the procedure I’m going to be getting. Normally my tendons won’t be able to heal on their own so the only way to get them fixed is to get them replaced surgically. It is either they take a tendon from my hamstring and use it as my ACL or get one from a cadaver. Watching the procedure being done on animations was crazy. Overall, I’m grateful that everything has been covered by my insurance so far with no deductibles. Although I feel like I lost a part of myself and my identity, I’m able to see and appreciate the other things in my life.
With best regards,
Josh Castro
Josh,
I am very sorry to hear about this, but I wish you well in your rehab and recovery. As you know all too well, this is a common injury for football (the American version) players, and they do come back. It is a process, and it requires discipline and perserverance. You are young, and you are in good shape otherwise. This will aid your rehabilitation. Will you need to be careful from this point forward? Indeed, you will. There is a lot of things we take for granted. Life has a way of reminding us there are no promises.
I wish you well in this process.
Dr. Martin