Posted by Nancy Renninger on January 14, 1998 at 21:50:26:
1. After having several bouts with increasing neck pain and associated left arm numbness and tingling, I finally gave in and went to see a neurosurgeon. MY appointment was on a Monday morning. Shortly after my MRI and myelogram, she scheduled me for surgery the next morning with a diagnosis of a not so surprising bulging disc at C5 and C6. The surgery consisted of a routine laminectomy with a fusion. My adjustment to the demands of the illness included 3 weeks of "off work" , no problem, and 6 weeks of a wearing a C-collar, that of which was the worst part of the ordeal. Driving was also off limits. My recovery was unremarkable and my only lifestyle alteration was to stay away from my jogging and boating for 6 months, both of which I promptly return to.
2. While health refers to a state of being disease-free with a complete mental, physical, and social well-being, health status is a more relative state of well being of an individual. Health status for one person with a certain lifestyle may be optimal for them, but for another in a different environment with the same health status may be considered sub optimal. ex. a C.O.P.D. pt. with an o2 sat of 90% is probably not so bad for them and maybe even normal for them, but for myself a 90% sat. would make me feel too short of breath for my liking.
3. Clinical dieticians, exercise specialists, and sports medicine specialists are a few of the newer and upcoming professions that have evolved and are ever-changing to support our populations new awareness ofa more preventive means of remaining healthy.
4. Yes, with guidelines for our Standards of Nealth Care Skills, hopefully our professions will strive to work at an affective and efficient level.