Revolving Doors of the Pain Clinic

When I plan on seeing my Pain Doctor at her office (which now includes a clinic) my bag includes a book, some New Embroidery Piece to work on, magazines-all of this to help pass the time because I know the wait to see her will be a Long one!  Its not because of over-booking patients-nothing except my Pain Doctor is very much in demand!  As we all sit waiting, shifting from one aching Hip to the other, someone will start a small complaint about the "Wait" and almost in unison-one after the other will start saying "Yes, its not fun to wait but lets all be honest, She is Worth the Wait!

Its unusual for me to see her on a Saturday-but this time was very needed-hoping we could  work out a mode of "Attack" to slow down the horrendous Burning in my Butt, Leg, Knee, Calf, Foot and each Toe. She knows this "Burning Sensation" has been a true source of nightmare Pain for me over these fifteen years.

We arrived an hour early and as my husband parked, I headed for the gleaming Revolving Doors. To my surprise, the doors did Not Open-so here I go, stepping up close, thinking this would do the trick-again, Nothing.  Now I was starting to feel frustration-as I had received a call earlier reminding me of my appointment time so I pushed my Face against those doors-allowing me to see a light on in my Doctor's Office.  Back to the doors I went, this time trying to Pry them apart with my hands (I hope nobody was watching) but they refused to move, and I  would back up, take a move toward the doors-with a silent command of "Open Up for Martha, Now!"

Frustration had left and Anger was brewing as I grabbed my phone and started punching in her office number, ready to give the person who answered a piece of my mind-only to hear a "recording-stating the offices were closed and to call back on Monday!"  My Anger was deflated in seconds-as I imagined trying to rant at a Recorded Phone Message-and so I backed up, almost trying to ram the doors, giving them a swift Kick with my foot!  My husband had now arrived as I explain "Heh, the doors will not open!  I have tried everything and they are Closed shut!  He is now pressed against the doors, looking for that "light" to tell him the Doctor is inside and of course he figured there would be no problem getting those doors open as his hands grabbed each side of the door and again, Nothing happened.

Then suddenly a person came walking toward us from the other side of the doors and like magic-Doors Opened for us, almost like a Red Carpet being rolled out!  I got registered for my appointment and asked the receptionist to just come out and Yell for me-I had no other place to go.  Sitting in the Lobby was where I learned about the Revolving Doors-A man comes walking up and before he could reach the doors, I stepped forward, making the doors open, then Bowing and telling him "Welcome to the Pain Clinic today"as he walked past me, probably thinking something is wrong with this woman-but my Husband answered his fears with, "Doors aren't Working!  As he passed by me, I saw the huge back brace that was supporting his body, noticing how slow he moved-my heart broke for him-as I clearly saw the Pain he carried with him.

I am always humbled when I see  physical suffering-that slow walk that says it all-meaning every part
of their body aches and knowing, they too had to sit and wait their turn.  My name was called and I had a moment to visit with a young lady who works with my Doctor, and I had to ask  "Do people get tired of waiting for the Doctor?"  Silly me, I knew that answer but was amazed at what this young woman came back with "Yes-we have people who get pretty Hot under the Collar, but the most amazing thing happens-when they see the Doctor, the anger vanishes-they feel relief, knowing this doctor will show them every ounce of compassion possible and will go the extra mile to help them find some relief."

It hit me about the Revolving doors on this long day-none of us like to sit and wait to see a Doctor. But when Chronic Pain has you in its grasp, you will wait-because your body is begging for  help.  I realized that perhaps God had given me a chance to Slow down- "Look through those Revolving Doors, go on and look beyond them-there are so many who suffer as you do."

When my Doctor walked in to see me, instead of hitting her with a barrage of "this hurts, this burns, its constant, I can't stand it, please Help me" I stopped-and saw the Human person in front of me. Her body showed the exhaustion, eyes weary from going over health records with patients-but then she raised her head and gave me a Smile that was filled with compassion and caring.  I told her "Just take a few minutes, stretch your legs out, I am not going anywhere and I know you must be so tired" and for a split second-we shared a look, as here sat the Patient-giving the Doctor advice!

I left there with my heart feeling so moved-as it hit me how much Pain I had witnessed-knowing Pain does not pick or choose-when its ready to grab you, there is no running from it-even if the Glass Revolving Doors are closed tight!  Last night I spent time offering prayers for my Doctor, asking Him to give her added strength and endurance as she continues in her work.

My moment of Joy came at her office as I shared my "Pain Won't Beat Me" Blog with my Doctor and watched her read-then having her look up to tell me, "Martha-I am so proud of you, this is wonderful work!"

God bless all who suffer with Pain-I do pray for you!  Martha