2.5 weeks post-PAO
As a patient in the University Hospital system, you have access to all your health records. So naturally, being in PT school and all, I nerded out hard and closely examined all my tests and lab results when I got home. In school, we learn a lot about standard lab values and contraindications to exercise/therapy. I was shocked to see that my hemoglobin levels at discharge were roughly around 8 mg/dL--a value that we typically learn in school to be a "proceed with lots of caution" cut-off. There are some hospitals that even use this as a strict contraindication to therapy due to compromised oxygen capacity (even though research is starting to show that this is an outdated philosophy). Either way, I finally was able to understand the true severity of the anemia and why I had been feeling so fatigued and out of breath.
The hardest part of my day was getting ready in the morning. Even as a PT student, I truly took for granted just how much mobility and energy is required for self-care. I am really lucky to have an amazing roommate (who is also a PT student... talk about a bonus!) that has been able to help me out so much. She pushed me around school in the wheelchair, carried my backpack, helped me get food together... the works. I wouldn't have been able to return to school this soon without her. Did I mention this is the same roommate that helped me through my first hip scope last year? Talk about a great friend!
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorJust a physical therapist and her journey being on the other side rehab. Categories
All
Archives
October 2017
|