A friend asked me to visit a colleague of his who was in
hospital following a spinal infection.
The spinal infection, and resulting surgery, caused paralysis and the
gentleman was told he will not walk again.
During our visit we spoke of the non-profit organization “Spinal Cord
Injury Ontario” and the client’s wife told me the story of their first meeting
with a Peer Support volunteer. She
recalled that the volunteer (a paraplegic) entered their room and introduced
himself. The wife politely thanked him
for coming but told him they would not need his services as they strongly
believe that her husband will walk again.
The volunteer’s answer was brilliant – he told them that even though it
has been years since his own accident, he too has not given up hope that one day
there will be a cure for paralysis. He
explained that he keeps himself in great shape as to always be prepared for
that day. He told my friend’s colleague
to never give up hope.
This conversation reminded me that hope is essential. As a health professional, I realized early
that one of the key roles I play in the lives of my clients is to foster
hope. Hope for a better future, for a
solution to their current problems, and for a better way to manage. Even just discussing problems and
brainstorming solutions elicits hope.
Health professionals should never undervalue the importance of fostering
hope – even if that is in the face of one huge challenge after another. Where hope becomes dangerous is when people
are so busy waiting for “the cure” that they forget to manage in the
meantime. Hope, like goals, is essential
to survival, but so is survival in between. To forgo opportunities, solutions and help in
the hopes of a future “fix” will only cause secondary problems that may be
larger than the initial problem in the first place.
This philosophy is supported by most Chronic Pain Programs –
they will not admit people to participate if that person is banking on a
surgery, medication, or other therapy to “fix” them. Some problems are chronic, and learning to
manage with the trials of life despite the problem is the only therapy. This should not squish hope – but rather
should allow hope to live and breathe among optimal function.
I always try to remain hopeful. Hopeful for a better world for my children,
for resolution of pain and suffering for my clients, for the health of others,
and for my industry to remain a place where injured people can be adequately
supported during their recovery. But I
recognize that it is not always easy to feel hopeful. So, if you ever find yourself running on
empty in the hope tank, try calling a supportive friend or family member,
looking online (or on this blog) for inspiration, watching a funny or uplifting
movie, getting some exercise, changing your scenery, or seeking support from a
health professional. We are here for
hope and help.
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