Reflection of a Nurse Runner

     This past summer I helped treat a young man diagnoses with Guillain Barre Syndrome (gee-YAH-buh-RAYA); a rare disorder in which the body's immune system attacks the nerves. Initially symptoms are expressed as weakness and tingling in the extremities. Those sensations often quickly spread, and can eventually paralyze the whole body. 

     This individual was both a runner and a blogger like myself. His main outlet that allowed him to cope through life, his running, was now the main factor contributing to his illness. To tie in a bit of Neuman’s theory here, his usual Flexible Line of Defense was now his biggest stressor. He could have sobbed his sorry state, but instead joked around and would write a few of his accomplishments at the end of each shift and relay it to the oncoming nurse. This man was determined to walk again, and he did not give up despite the many barriers impeding his way. He would blog about each day in the hospital, and continued to coach his running group from his hospital bed. Any nurse who took care of him was inspired by how he was facing this massive life challenge.

     As I helped this man physically I was motivated to look at my minor daily challenges through a completely new lens. He showed me how to be victorious over the challenges that life throws at you. He used humor, writing, and small goals to keep his spirits up, and to tackle those barriers that prevented him from living life to its fullest; he dealt with one challenge at a time. I was able to connect with his attitude through the similarity we had with our passion for running and writing, and his attitude managed to leak onto me and others who cared for him. He was a physically heavy patient, but our interactions were light. He inspired me on how to cope and confront the challenges that come to hit us both in our professional and private lives. He showed how to optimize what you do have, and what does work; to both cope with and heal the malfunctions parts.

     6 months later I don't know if he learned to walk again, but I do still see his red markings on the runner's road in Prospect Park. Those markings serve as my reminder to run past and jump over the obstacles, and to just keep going. 

     7 miles and 65 minutes later, in freezing NYC winter weather, I jump his red lines, as I complete my run; now ready conquer the rest of the obstacles my life sets in my way .

#reflectionofanurserunner #Delayedtravelerjargon #spontaneouspost

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/guillain-barre-syndrome/basics/definition/con-20025832