On Friday, we saw Karen, one of our dearest patients back for follow-up with her mom.
She has had an amazing recovery from major thoracolumbar kyphoscoliosis surgery as well as anterior/posterior cervical spine reconstructive surgery for vertebral discitis with severe myelopathy with severe quadriparesis.
It was a long, tough battle, and at times seemed fairly hopeless.  But now, months later, she is back on her feet walking, living at home, and using her arms and hands again.
Karen is an amazingly driven young lady, and is a blessing to all of us.
Karen and her mom made a special point to go over and see the nurses, physical therapists, hospitalists, and other care-givers that invested their lives into Karen and her family over many weeks.
Everyone was just so amazed to see the “New Karen” — what an encouragement to those who work in the hospital, who are often seeing patients at their worst.

Many years ago, after my own long recovery after being hit by a car, I made a point to go back and visit my old hospital every year when I was in college.
I am sure I was probably quite a burden for some of those nurses and aids, and therapists during my 3 and a half month hospitalization.
Like Karen on Friday, it always brought great joy to the staff to see someone come back healed after a long ordeal.

Remembering to turn around and give thanks for those who helped you through the toughest time is a good lesson for all of us.

Lloyd A. Hey, MD MS
Hey Clinic for Scoliosis and Spine Surgery
https://www.heyclinic.com