Reflections on the pandemic
RIght before they declared a pandemic and during the early stages of China's
cases, I was having knee surgery. I was on non weight bearing orders for
6 weeks after then had another 6-8 weeks of physical therapy. I was in
about week 2 or 3 of physical therapy when the pandemic was declared and
people were ordered to stay home.
I was bummed that I was just starting to be able to walk again and now
couldnt go out an socialize like I was looking forward to. More that that,
I knew what a pandemic meant for my clinic family. I was anxious to get
cleared to return to work. As soon as I could I got back to work to do
my part on the frontlines. This is what I trained for in school and what
I knew would come some day.
When I got back to work I was impressed but not surprised at how well my
team had the new work flows tackled, and impressed at how easily and fluidly
we move from one change to another. This has not been an easy transition
for anyone. I have hope that we will get through this because of the compassion
I see everyday, not just with caregivers but with patients, and the resilience
people have to the current new normal. Patients are so thankful for our
help when they come in to be seen, and I just tell them "Im glad
we were here for you".
I miss coffee with friends more than anything else. I try to check in with
them via text or call when I can. At home we try to have family time and
watch movies. My kids are older so its been easier for them then it would
be if they were younger. I think no one, myself included, will be the
same on the other side of this. I know for me, going forward, I will try
not to take things for granted.