Dr. Roth is very professional, answered my questions and his bottom line manner provided me, for the first time since my injury, with a positive, big-picture perspective of my condition and my associated issues it, that was logical and made sense. It was as if that light bulb over ones head turning on wasn't a concept but a reality. Becoming disabled, whether from injury, disease or illness changes more than just the injured or damaged part of our bodies affected, it changes how we perceive ourselves as well as our lives based on the loss we have suffered. Viewing ourselves as no longer whole, in whatever way our disability has changed us, can cause significant depression. If we allow it, permanent, or even temporary loss of function, can easily slip into a downward spiral fueled by an overwhelming sense of defeat that we seemingly cannot escape.
From my first meeting with Dr. Roth, I felt, and continue to feel, a renewed belief that I was no longer doomed to being permanently 'less than', but regaining my life, my sense of self and how I moved through the world was realistically possible by working the treatment plan Dr. Roth designed specifically for me. Taking that initial leap of faith was easier than I thought it would be. Each step I achieved towards regaining myself causes me to continue challenging myself towards better functionality. I no longer feel defeated by focusing on what I can no longer do that I once could, instead I feel empowered by the things I've achieved that I once thought I would never be able to do again. If you tell yourself repeatedly that you can't, you won't.
Thank you, Dr. Roth, for helping me remember how I move through the world may be different today vs 5 yrs ago, but that difference isn't the end of my living as I knew it. Today I have both appreciation of what was, but more important, enjoy what is in this moment and have renewed enthusiasm in what can and will be. Regaining a realistic perspective has returned me to my loved ones, and most of all, to myself. THAT, to me, is the difference between healthcare providers focusing and treating only one's condition and those who treat the same condition by enlisting the entire package and teaching us how to focus on recovering ourselves.
by geeberrs
xxx.xxx.203.211
March 13, 2013