Patient testimonial: Kay B.

Three years ago I was working as a care-giver at an adult family home when I was injured.  I stepped outside for a moment, getting my shoes wet in the process, and upon reentering the building I slipped and fell.  My employer hadn't laid down a doormat, so as soon as I stepped on the concrete floor I fell.  I was knocked unconscious.  When I awoke I had the presence of mind to phone for help.  Shortly after the phone call, I passed out again. 

At UBC-Puyallup the front desk girls are so helpful and greet everyone with a smile.  No matter how I felt, I always had a smile on my face too.  They offered to loan me $20 once when I was short on cash.  Also, the staff would sometimes bring in donuts and cakes and we were all welcome to indulge.  When a person was out sick, for example, we'd sign get-well cards for them. 

The clinicians at UBC don't force their clients to sit still through all the classes. If you have to stand or constantly shift in your chair to relieve the pain, they don't fret.  Everyone was flexible.  For instance, when I missed an outdoor walk with PT, Dr. Watt [UBC psychologist] was amenable to having our session outside, while walking.  Additionally, I heard that UBC helped one client get a prescription for a TENS unit (i.e. a Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation device). 

Dr. Hwang made my orthopedic shoes happen!  When I asked L&I on my own, they said "no."  Mary Jo [UBC physical therapy assistant] walked to the shoe store with me and set me up with the shoe people.  I didn't even know where to go to get the shoes.  And, Dr. Johnson [UBC nurse] went online to help me research how to relieve the pressure off my toenail.

It was wonderful how the UBC staff helped me.  Prior to coming to UBC, I could only walk a single block, and I was reduced to using a motorized scooter to get around the grocery store.  All the clinicians, it seemed, enjoyed the outdoor walks together:  Dr. Watt, Dr. Hwang [UBC physician], Dr. Johnson, the physical therapy staff, and the clients.  Now I am capable of walking five miles. 

I have nothing but praise for UBC.  Some of the other clients could be heard complaining that UBC pushes too hard.  They're pushing because they care about you.  You have to give UBC a chance and they can help you.  Listen to what they're telling you.   When UBC gets through with you, you'll feel a lot better.  Because I'm in the industry, I hold stiff standards for other care-givers.  I was highly impressed by the show of compassion among all UBC staff.  For example, UBC listened to the fact that I was dizzy while doing some of the mat exercises.  Today I have fewer headaches than when I began the program. 

I always tried what UBC staff asked of me.  Even though I was experiencing dizziness, I still did what was requested.  I entered the UBC program shortly after my second back surgery.  Along with nerve pain I have a cyst in my wrist and bursitis in my hips and shoulders.  The staff showed me extra stretches for cramps, numbness, and tingling. 

Although I couldn't swim, I still participated in aquatic therapy.  While at the pool, the other guys would tease me by saying, "Hey, Kay, don't worry about drowning, we'll save you."  Getting to the pool for me meant having to catch a ride with another client.  Because I stand just 4'8", some vehicles are impossible for me to climb into without help.  One day Mary Jo saw me struggling to climb up into another client's truck.  She fetched a stepstool from the building and let me keep the footstool for the entire time I was in treatment.  In addition if I needed a footstool at home, UBC was prepared to contact L&I on my behalf to make it happen.  UBC had all sorts of ways of accommodating my specific needs. 

Mary Jo was my guardian angel.  During occupational therapy, I was allowed to couple sedentary tasks with the more strenuous circuits.  I felt helped by the other clients too.  Everyone steps in.  Even Donna [UBC Vocational rehabilitation counselor] would assist me in the gym when I needed it. 

I can't return to care-giving because of the lifting requirements.  I'm only up to thirty pounds.  Fortunately, Ryan [UBC vocational rehabilitation counselor] gave me a lead on a job-placement firm.  They hire you, you get ten weeks' of training, and they assist you until you land a job.  I didn't know such a place exists.  There are 38 people ahead of me for this placement, so I have to wait until February to begin the process. 

UBC-Puyallup was wonderful.  I miss the staff, but they said I can call them whenever I want.  Also, UBC graduates are welcome to workout at the UBC gym anytime.  A few days ago, after assessing my range-of-motion, my physician Dr. Johnson of US Health Network remarked, "You improved so much, Kay, isn't that marvelous!"