X-rays confirmed he had bilateral thumb fractures and the nurse practitioner attempted to refer him to a “hand specialist.” However, after some dialogue, Phil was referred, as he desired—and acceptable, given the type of injury—to an orthopedic specialist.
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In discussing treatment options with Phil, the orthopedic specialist told my friend that his thumbs could be splinted. In addition to banging his oversized thumbs into everything, this approach would result in stiffness, which would require physical therapy, and there would be increased pain, for which pain relievers could be prescribed, although they could result in addiction requiring further treatment.
The alternative? Phil could continue drumming and “let the pain be his guide.” The increased blood flow associated with this treatment would promote healing and the movement would result in greater long-term flexibility. Withholding the analgesics would keep Phil within his limits and potentially out of rehab—not that Phil is predisposed to addiction or has any such history. And the downside? Besides having pain as a governor, recovery time would be slightly prolonged.
I share this story because it’s easy to remember painful situations but hard to remember that pain has its purpose and can be a good thing. It can help us grow in ways we had not considered. In addition to continued musical performance, Phil is adapting a previously scheduled workshop to include dealing with adversity, so others will benefit from my friend turning a negative and painful situation into a positive.
Kudos to the nurse practitioner who listened to the patient and considered his needs and desires—and for convincing the powers that be to allow the patient’s desired referral. That the orthopedic specialist listened to the patient about his needs gives me hope that we truly are on the road to health care reform.
We must celebrate such stories of success so they can serve as models. When all the players come together and assume responsibility for their respective roles, the system can work.
Do you have a story to share?
For Reflections on Nursing Leadership (RNL), published by the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International. Comments are moderated. Those that promote products or services will not be posted.
