Earlier this week, on Tuesday to be exact, Carrie developed a micro-fracture in her lumbar spine - all she did was stand up from a seated position and was suddenly in excruciating pain. I took her to Elkhart General Emergency where they gave her shots for the pain and the next day her doctor ordered x-rays which revealed the fracture. Since this is not a post-traumatic fracture they've scheduled an MRI for Monday to see what's going on because she really shouldn't be developing fractures from simply standing up. She still has a fair amount of discomfort and is relegated to her bed.
It was an interesting experience to be on the other side of the hospital bed, as the one sitting helplessly next to the patient instead of the one coming in to visit the patient and their family. We've also had the opportunity this week to experience the confusing and frustrating world of healthcare insurance. Though I appreciated the infinitely shorter wait times at the hospital here, and I am thankful that we have insurance, my appreciation for the Canadian healthcare system grew exponentially this week.
In the end I'm glad that Carrie is being cared for, and perhaps I can count this as an educational experience which might help me to better empathize (to a small degree) with the patients I will be meeting with this summer when I'm back at Elkhart General.
P.S. please pray for the healing of Carrie's back - with this being the final month of seminary, this is NOT good timing
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