I became the patient this week. You may have heard the phrase, โThe teacher becomes the student.โ
Yes. That!
I ran into the leg of the chair with my foot and caught it โjust wrongโ enough to damage something.
It took a bit of time before I realized that the pain wasnโt going away. And, a bit longer to determine that I had to come up with a treatment plan.
I donโt โspecializeโ in whatโs referred to medically as an acute injury. It requires a different approach.
In fact, if youโre 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 โฆ possibly even an emergency
Chronic = Long-term โฆ typically more than 6 months
So, thatโs where I was this week.
It would have been easier if I was at home where I have all my โgadgetsโ but Iโm making do.
Fortunately, it is getting better. I think I will be able to avoid a visit to the emergency room โฆ but thatโs where I will be if I feel itโs necessary.
If youโre dealing with an acute situation, donโt hesitate to seek the help of a professional who is trained to deal with emergencies.
And, pause anything youโre 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, โWhatโs Your Kryptonite?โ I share what you can do to become your own PCP โฆ Primary Care Person. Itโs your PCP who knows best if itโs acute or chronic.