Do you know what steps to take if you get injured?
EG would think to get a second opinion?
My focus today is to help awaken the doctor within you.
At the end of this blog I have included a FREE 7 Step Injury Checklist, just in case you ever need some guidance in this area (lets hope you don’t).
Don’t forget to grab it.
Unfortunately this year I smashed my knee on a rock while white water rafting, and now have a knee injury called a meniscus tear, which often requires surgery.
The meniscus is the cushioning cartilage pad found in the joint between the thigh bone and the shin bone.
I’ve chosen to try to heal it conservatively and hopefully avoid surgery.
So many things have shocked me in the diagnosis/advice process. It has, (as it always does, when I see it happen to so many people), stirred up many frustrations that I’d like to have a little “rant” about.
I have been recommended various invasive treatments ranging from key hole surgery to stem cell surgery.
I’m always disillusioned by the health system, or should we call it disease/injury management system. It focuses mostly on using technology and pharmaceutical drugs, rather than natural ways of healing. We certainly don’t see enough education, conservative and preventative treatments for my liking.
What happened to the body being able to heal itself?
There is an expression; “heal yourself in 7 days or see the doctor, get medication and heal in one week”.
This is so true in many cases, sometimes it will heal in the same time frame, whether or not you take medication or have surgery. The body does know intuitively how to heal itself.
Too often we want a quick and easy fix. To take a pill, to have an operation and it all be done for us. There are certainly times when we need surgery and intervention by doctors, and they do a marvellous job. However too often doctors, surgeons and other health care professionals, are not questioned about the advice they give. Too often treatments occur, that can sometimes be avoided.
Unfortunately some do not have our best interests at heart. They either just want our money, are too busy, or are just not up to date with the latest research or treatments.
Of course, like everything in life, there are always opposites, there are many amazing and genuine health care professionals out there as well.
I’d love to know;
- How often have you researched your own injury or had 2nd, 3rd or even 4th opinions?
- How often do you question the advice you are given by health care professionals if you are sick or injured?
- Here is the big question … how often do you ask yourself, your internal doctor? Checking in with your gut instinct and your intuition and what you believe is right? Many of us don’t access that part of our knowing, often enough.
After seeking many opinions (some great and some unethical) and doing my own research on top of what I already know, I have ended up listening to my gut and what I felt was right for me for now.
Apparently there is a 50% chance of my injury healing due to lack of blood flow to the area. I’m doing all I can to rest and rehabilitate it.
I remember growing up we would never have questioned a doctor. If you are like I was many years ago and don’t question, it’s time to start, start taking control of your own health and wellbeing. You intuitively know your own body better than anyone else a lot of the time – always remember this.
If you think this information is useful please let me know in the comments below and be sure to share with someone who can also benefit from this blog.
If ever you get an injury (lets hope you don’t!), I have created printable check list which includes 7 simple steps to follow that may help you relieve pain and help in any decision making processes. Grab it below…
Thanks and stay strong from the inside out!
Em
x
I suffered a knee injury at the same time, Emma. I understand the challenges involved in diagnosis, treatment and recovery. Aren’t we conditioned to follow tradition and the advice of the all-knowing Doctor without searching for further answers? Your words capture the sentiment accurately:
“Checking in with your gut instinct and your intuition and what you believe is right? Many of us don’t access that part of our knowing, often enough”
A pharmacist monitored my injury every 3 days (for free) and cautioned me on faddish techniques, “The body can heal itself”. It seems to be true; apart from massage and acupuncture, my knee has received little treatment and is now pain free, I’m pain-killer free and back at the gym and exercising. The message? Access that part of knowing and trust your instincts. Of course get medical expertise, this is essential; but also take time to be wise.
That is a great story to hear Clara. I’m so glad those words resonated with you.
What was your knee injury? Yes our body doesn’t always benefit from surgical procedures. I believe with the right treatment (massage, specific exercises and acupuncture) we can overcome many of our injuries if we just give them the time they need.
Where did you hear about my article out of interest? Email, Facebook?
Em :o)
Hi Emma, I am so sad about your knee accident!!! You are doing the right thing by researching and waiting to see if it heals itself. To be honest with you…I doubt it.
When I had my car accident, I smashed my knee against the dashboard, and my meniscus and ACL were badly torn. I had a full year of cortisone shots, months of therapy, did all the exercises they gave me, I even had the Synvic shots, a real miracle, but at the end, I still had to have the surgery to repair them. This took all the pain away, and I was back to doing the things I loved to do. A torn meniscus is a very minor day surgery, and if you see that you are not getting better, go for it Emma. You of course are so much younger than me, so it’s very possible that it could heal on it’s own, but as I said…I doubt it. I had seen 8 different specialists for the knee…and I still ended up with surgery. Best thing I ever did. I wish you the best of luck my dearest niece…you are in my thoughts and prayers. Love you…oxoxoxox
Thanks Mary,
Sorry to hear about your knee. Yes it’s not always the case that a meniscus will heal. There are different types of Meniscus tears and tears can happen in different areas of the meniscus. Some areas have more blood flow than others. It’s true the posterior area that mine is located in has less blood flow, however they sometimes can heal up and scar over.
Healing is all dependant on this and how you treat it. I also only have a meniscus tear not any ACL damage. I do have a little bit of lateral ligament damage but I think I have that under control now from the exercises I’ve been doing.
I was told by many to have surgery, however I’ve gone with the advice a top Australian Physio who specialises in knees. He says 50% chance it will heal, if treated correctly. So far the exercises I’m doing are working.
The latest thinking is not to rush into surgery and try conventional methods first.
I’ll keep you posted on my progress!
Thanks Em xxx
Thanks for the checklist it will be very helpful great to keep .
Thanks Christine. I’m glad you have found the checklist useful. :o)