I’m too tired to do a video blog today: sorry. It’s been a huge evening at work and I learned a valuable lesson.. the knee replacement will complain long before the left leg will! 😖
All along I have publicised my story in the hope that I can change a few minds, enlighten a few people and open a few eyes. A number of things have occurred already that tell me that’s already happening .
The supermarket challenge
I remember a while ago doing a video blog talking about how I got irritated that I don’t always need help, that I wish people would stop butting in and inviting themselves to be of assistance when I didn’t even ask. Well, this occurred with a client at work. They work in a retail outlet and a customer who looked to be blind or visually impaired was studying a tin. They asked did the person need help… then immediately remembered what I had said and realised they probably shouldn’t have asked. The blind person was polite in declining help.
The disabled toilet rant
I clearly remember highlighting this a heck of a lot at first when I was in the wheelchair. as a result of this, a self employed friend has rearranged their disabled bathroom access at work, numerous children of friends have highlighted issues with access for the disabled in a range of settings, and a local cafe who didn’t have proper disabled bathroom access, now does.
The medical professionals making small positive changes
This is my favourite thing that’s happened so far. My physio has asked me in detail about critical limb ischemia signs and symptoms and I have provided them with photos and information based on my experience, this is not an area physiotherapists would deal in usually. I’m the first they have seen in their 13 year career. This physio has made a point of checking pedal pulses (foot) on clients that they are even remotely concerned about as a result. Not only that but they recently referred someone to their GP for further testing as a result of concerns. It turned out to be something else, but heck, at least that person had someone looking out for them! I’d have rather been sent to someone too early (or for a false alarm) than too late.
The Health and Disability Commision
This all is why I have filed a complaint with the commission. It was finally submitted today. What happened to me should not have happened. I recognised symptoms in myself over 14 months ago and frustratingly I was right all along. Too many mistakes were made, too many people just did not know what to look for in vascular compromise. I do NOT want this horror to happen to anyone else.
I sincerely hope the commissioner chooses to investigate my complaint. Less than 10% get looked at.. so I have everything crossed that mine is one of them.
I have nothing to gain from it, but a lot of other people might have a lot to lose if this keeps happening.
Melanie Magowan 