I became the patient this week. You may have heard the phrase, âThe teacher becomes the student.â
Yes. That!
I ran into the leg of the chair with my foot and caught it âjust wrongâ enough to damage something.
It took a bit of time before I realized that the pain wasnât going away. And, a bit longer to determine that I had to come up with a treatment plan.
I donât âspecializeâ in whatâs referred to medically as an acute injury. It requires a different approach.
In fact, if youâre working with me and something happens that would be considered an acute condition, we pause the protocol that is addressing the chronic problem.
Resources must be freed up to focus on the emergency.
Acute = Short-term ⌠possibly even an emergency
Chronic = Long-term ⌠typically more than 6 months
So, thatâs where I was this week.
It would have been easier if I was at home where I have all my âgadgetsâ but Iâm making do.
Fortunately, it is getting better. I think I will be able to avoid a visit to the emergency room ⌠but thatâs where I will be if I feel itâs necessary.
If youâre dealing with an acute situation, donât hesitate to seek the help of a professional who is trained to deal with emergencies.
And, pause anything youâre doing to deal with a chronic situation (including symptom suppression) so that your body can focus all of its energy on healing.
In my book, âWhatâs Your Kryptonite?â I share what you can do to become your own PCP ⌠Primary Care Person. Itâs your PCP who knows best if itâs acute or chronic.
