The In ‘N Outpatient by Kris Harty

“Well, hello there, stranger.”

You’d think that after living with the same body for four decades, there wouldn’t be any surprises left. That is, other than the usual age-related changes. I’m getting all too used to them. You, too? My sympathies.

Much in the same way, I’ve gotten all too used to the weirdities accompanying four decades of arthritis. As soon as I think I’ve heard of every ramification, there’s another something brought to my attention.

Earlier this week, I was grabbing a bite for dinner, and as I bit down softly, my lower left jaw CRUNCHED – and CRUMBLED?? I’m not talking my usual lil’ TMJ issues. I’m talking a big ol’ huge OUCH. Then, my jaw stuck. No movement, no how. Interesting predicament indeed.

Now what? Is this really worthy of a trip to the ER? C’mon, buck up. It’ll self-correct. (That’s my usual way out of any medical appointment. Not that I recommend it. Do as I say, not as I do, thank you very much.)

Patience. Just gotta work it out. Crack. Got it. Whew.

Crack again. All evening long. Days later, it still crunches, but at the same time, there’s a newfound relief and release in it.

Don’t know that I want to see anyone medical about it. I don’t particularly want to deal with whatever nasty news I might hear.

Like news that my dentist offered not so long ago. Preceding the nastier news was news of the more curious kind. I thought I merely had a new tooth growing in under my gum line. Seems odd for a forty-something year old, but stranger things have probably happened. Found out it wasn’t a tooth at all, but a bony growth calcification. Just like my tell-tale arthritic knobby fingers and wrists. Sheesh. Does bone growth have to happen even under my gum line?

He went on to share that it’s the same calcification buildup as the ridge on the upper and lower palates of my mouth. I have ridges?? Am I supposed to have ridges??? Hmm, my tongue started tracing the outline. When did this happen, and why? Amazing how things happen so slowly to our bodies that we’re no longer aware that an abnormality is an abnormality.

Weird, scary, freaky. My dentist continued on about my jaw bones. Needless to say, arthritis has messed with them, too. He said eventually I’ll likely need jaw surgery. He offered to provide good contacts. Nice. And oy. Does the need for surgery on this ol’ bod never end?

So then I wonder, is the crunch that I experienced this week related to the news I received about my jaw? If so, can I forego treatment and simply work out a tune using my new cracking capabilities?

I’m placing bets with myself as to how long I procrastinate before mentioning this newest development to my medical team. Will it get worse – or better? Will I be creating my own new percussion instrument soon?

Stranger things have happened.

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The Short Chick with the Walking Stick’s upcoming book celebrates professional caregivers as the StickSpirits they are. For four decades, they’ve helped Kris Harty Stick to It – No Matter What! She provides a patient’s perspective that is educational, inspirational, and insightful. Part memoir, part application, Kris helps student nurses, newer nurses and not-so-newer nurses remember why they joined their amazing profession in the first place. She shares how they positively impact patients’ lives, with minimal time and effort. Little things matter. Kris is the Thought Leader on People Helping People Persevere. She leads the conversation through writing, speaking, coaching, and small group discussions. A 40-year veteran of the medical industry – on the receiving end, Kris Harty is the Stickabilities Specialist at Strong Spirit Unlimited. If you’re looking for an effortless and meaningful way to lead your team toward continued quality caregiving, contact Kris. Call 877.711.STIC(K), email StrongSpirit@StrongSpiritUnlimited.com, or visit  www.StrongSpiritUnlimited.com.

The In ‘N Outpatient by Kris Harty

“No flatline here.”

The beating of hearts is strong today, this Valentine’s Day.

Some hearts beat because another heart beats in rhythm. Others continue to beat because of the giving nature of someone else’s heart.

The description of the giving heart includes you, my nurse friends. Your patients’ hearts still beat because of yours.

Nurses are known to sacrifice for the sake of other people’s wellbeing. You are, by nature, a group that denies yourselves in order to help other people. And selfless, giving acts are at the – ummm, heart of Valentine’s Day.

The origins of Valentine’s Day are murky. But it seems there were at least three men in the way-back days by the name of Valentine who risked or sacrificed their own lives to help others.

Many, many heartbeats later, companies happened to find romance to be lovingly lucrative to their bottom line, nudging the industry toward celebrating romance and away from celebrating sacrifice.

I suggest, at least for the duration of this column – maybe longer – that we get back to the original meaning associated with being a Valentine. The name itself means strength. Any of us who have had many dealings at all in the medical community vouch for the strength of nurses. Seemingly endless strength carries nurses through crazy-busy single or double shifts or frenetic days at the office.

As nurses, you sacrifice your own well-being. Sleep, meals, breaks, restroom runs? Who needs ‘em? YOU usually do, as you so often shortchange yourselves in the relentless demands of helping those who can’t help themselves.

Not only that, but your efforts are not acknowledged nearly as often as they could and should be, by those you serve. We patients are too absorbed in our own pain, physical or otherwise, to think about yours.

Studies reveal that of all the people who receive Valentines, teachers receive the most. They certainly earn them. But know that although you might not receive Valentines from your charges, you’re equally deserving of them.

Valentine traditions and recipients around the globe are as varied and unexpected as the contents of a box of chocolates. As Forrest Gump’s momma says about chocolates and life in general: “You never know what you’re gonna get.”

How about the unValentine? One of Japan’s workplace Valentine customs has to do with two kinds of chocolates: favorite chocolates and cheap chocolates. If a co-worker appreciates another coworker, a box of ‘favorite chocolates’ is given. I coulda gone broke over the years.

If there’s not so much in the way of warm fuzzies going on between the two, then cheap chocolates are bestowed. Hmmm, yep. I can think of a few times I would’ve made a quick run to the dollar store.

But for all you sacrificing, under-appreciated nurses, I can only offer these words as your big ol’ box of Favorite Chocolates. Dive in. Enjoy every last sweet, savory bite. It’ll do your giving, strong heart good.

Happy Valentine’s Day to the keepers of our beating hearts.

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The Short Chick with the Walking Stick’s upcoming book celebrates professional caregivers as the StickPeople they are. For four decades, they’ve helped Kris Harty Stick to It – No Matter What! She provides a patient’s perspective that is educational, inspirational, and insightful. Part memoir, part application, Kris helps student nurses, newer nurses and not-so-newer nurses remember why they joined their amazing profession in the first place. She shares how they positively impact patients’ lives, with minimal time and effort. Little things matter. Kris is the Thought Leader on People Helping People Persevere. She leads the conversation through writing, speaking, coaching, and small group discussions. A 40-year veteran of the medical industry – on the receiving end, Kris Harty is the Stickabilities Specialist at Strong Spirit Unlimited. If you’re looking for an effortless and meaningful way to lead your staff toward continued quality caregiving, contact Kris. Call 877.711.STIC(K), email StrongSpirit@StrongSpiritUnlimited.com, or visit  www.StrongSpiritUnlimited.com.