I became the patient this week. You may have heard the phrase, โ€œThe teacher becomes the student.โ€

Yes. That!

I ran into the leg of the chair with my foot and caught it โ€œjust wrongโ€ enough to damage something.

It took a bit of time before I realized that the pain wasnโ€™t going away. And, a bit longer to determine that I had to come up with a treatment plan.

I donโ€™t โ€œspecializeโ€ in whatโ€™s referred to medically as an acute injury. It requires a different approach.

In fact, if youโ€™re 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 โ€ฆ possibly even an emergency

Chronic = Long-term โ€ฆ typically more than 6 months

So, thatโ€™s where I was this week.

It would have been easier if I was at home where I have all my โ€œgadgetsโ€ but Iโ€™m making do.

Fortunately, it is getting better. I think I will be able to avoid a visit to the emergency room โ€ฆ but thatโ€™s where I will be if I feel itโ€™s necessary. 

If youโ€™re dealing with an acute situation, donโ€™t hesitate to seek the help of a professional who is trained to deal with emergencies. 

And, pause anything youโ€™re 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, โ€œWhatโ€™s Your Kryptonite?โ€ I share what you can do to become your own PCP โ€ฆ Primary Care Person. Itโ€™s your PCP who knows best if itโ€™s acute or chronic.

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