Doing God’s Work – The Case of “M” and Severe Knee Pain

Toward the end of my workday Monday I was feeling like I might have a handle on my real job now that I am in one location only instead of running between properties … then I got a text to adjust my Tuesday to see a patient on another property.  Once again, I felt out of control of my schedule and like I was being taken advantage of – my commitment of working 6.5 hours a day has turned into 8-10.  Angry thoughts were running through my head as I headed to work today at 6am.  When I arrived and was wheeling my cart of supplies to the front door, I was greeted by the "regulars" hanging out on the porch.  One was at the ready to open the door for me while the other asked if I could advise him about his knee.  When I asked how long his knee had been bothering me, he said, "It just started when I saw you."  As I realized he was flirting with me I smiled.  I felt my anger already waning.  I belonged here.

I was to see a patient, "M"  for self-care training (bathing and dressing), but when I got to her door, I heard her moaning loudly inside.  I went inside and found her sitting on the side of her bed complaining of terrible pain in her legs.  She has severe arthritis, especially concentrated in her knees.  I had her lie down and felt her legs.  They were burning hot.  I immediately began cranial sacral therapy to balance the meridians.  The words, "This is why I'm here – to do God's work", ran through my head.  I was no longer thinking about my anger.

I started with kidney points and progressed to liver, gallbladder, spleen, stomach, and bladder.  As her legs became cool to the touch, M said, "I felt the pain drain right out of me."  M was confused and kept expressing concern that she was keeping me from sleeping.  I was able to assure her that I had gotten plenty of sleep.  Finally she was able to rest.  There is nothing as humbling as taking away another's pain.  Nothing.

Be Sociable, Share!

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
•