A week on Ward 7D - An appreciation for humans.

Usually, my blog posts are industry-related. But, not today...

Instead...I want to make great use of my reach to 20k+ connections to show my utmost appreciation and admiration for healthcare professionals and to humans that find strength and resilience, even when facing the highest levels of adversity. Although this week has been tough, it's been truly inspiring and transformational watching other patients with more significant problems than mine.

Even though the lower half of my body has been a complete mess this week, my upper body, arms, hands and fingers haven't been so they have been keeping me busy on my mobile and laptop to pass the time. Perhaps a little overactive but nothing less than usual my network may say.

I've spent the last seven days bed-bound on the Neurosurgery "Ward 7D" at the Royal North Shore Hospital in Sydney. Despite being buckled over in excruciating pain with a herniated disc and a ruptured sciatic nerve, not being able to walk, sit or stand when I arrived, I quickly realised and was vividly reminded that in the grand scheme of things my pain and situation was insignificant compared to others here on the ward. I'm one of the "lucky ones" is what I would say. I'm 1 of about 40 people on this ward, and it's safe to say I am number 40 when it comes the level of severity (40 being the lowest in severity).

In my time over the last seven days, I've had countless medications, physiotherapy sessions, cortisol injections in my spine and talk of an operation on my spine. The procedure is still on the cards for a later date but thank god for the treatment, strong medication and the injections are working so far.

For those that don't know...

For those that don't know...

Neurological trauma is an injury to the brain, spine or nerves. Accidents involving vehicles, bikes, sports or falls usually cause these types of injuries. Neurological trauma can often affect many areas of the body — including the organs, blood vessels, muscles and bones — so care requires a team of specialists.

...basically, it's serious stuff and can be VERY serious for some.

What these last 7 days have given me is time to observe the daily goings-on of this totally isolated unit behind locked doors (and I mean locked doors). It's been one of the biggest observational learnings of my life around humans and their behaviour from both sides of being cared for and those providing care.

“In times of adversity and change, we really discover who we are and what we’re made of.”

— Howard Schultz

Firstly...

...I am in complete awe of the capacity of humans. Not me, OTHERS. The strength, resilience, and patience that I have witnessed from other patients on this ward, who quite frankly, are going through hell after traumatic accidents, is truly admirable.

You've got those people in life who say "I struggle to get up in the morning", and then there are those on this ward, who apart from healing from traumatic injuries and surgery, are re-learning to communicate, walk, get their memory back and learn to do life again.

At first, some of the things I have seen this week were quite overwhelming, but the reality is I'm walking (well limping) away inspired by these people who despite everything are FIGHTING.

The human mind and body is such an incredible thing that we all take for granted at times.

What has also been amazing to witness is the impact that family and friends can have on someone's journey to recovery. I've been fortunate enough to have my wife, Meredith, here twice a day and other sporadic visitors too (thanks Mike, Megs, Lewis, Josh and my father-in-law).

With a network of support and love around them, seeing other patients heightened level of fight and resilience to get up and take their first steps with their friends or family by their side has been amazing to witness. 

There are patients on the ward going through this on their own—no visitors what-so-ever, which is tough to see. I've done what I can to chat with people that are fit to communicate, keep them company and have a smile with them. There have been volunteers who come to the hospital to talk with lonely patients and help around the ward. One of these volunteers was a 17-year old called Steven, who was running around the department helping clean the department, change beds and run errands for patients. Incredible right? His parents should be very proud of the young man they have brought up. Something I will work damn hard to instil in my children when that comes around.This leads me on nicely to the next part of my human appreciation...

...Medical Healthcare professionals...WOW...

What you do and how you do it with such grace, passion, care, empathy and the highest standards of professionalism has given me an even higher level of respect for anyone within your industry.

Don't get me wrong, I already admired the industry and the work that you do, but seeing, experiencing and feeling it first hand this has blown me away. It has been overwhelming and left me feeling pretty emotional, to be honest—some of the best human interactions, acts of kindness and unfathomable levels of selflessness I have seen.

I have been admitted to hospital a few times in my life, but my stays have always been short-lived. This time spending seven days on the ward has allowed me to observe and deeply admire the time, effort, and commitment you have to your profession and to making patients feel as comfortable as possible.

At one end you have the Neuro-Surgeons taking their time to put you at ease about your condition, procedures, next steps with simple terminology. And at the other, the Nurses who demonstrate incredible empathy and patience, delivering stunning levels of care while ensuring patients maintain their dignity and some level of independence.

You come in here feeling very vulnerable, not being able to do much yourself. How the Nurses, Consultants and Physios work with you on such an individual level, taking their time to get to know you, who you are, what your background is, what you're made up of and what your needs are is something I will never forget. I will be looking to apply to my everyday life both personally and professionally, going forward.

Surgeons, Doctors, Consultants, Nurses, Physios, and Hospital Porters, YOU are ALL real-life Super Heroes. Never forget that or let anyone tell you any different.

As I said, I am one of the lucky ones. I will be walking out of here tomorrow with a heightened level of appreciation for the medical staff that will continue to grind 12-16 hour shifts, providing inspirational standards of professionalism and care and a newfound fascination for human capacity in general, both physically and mentally. What every one of us is capable of when the right mindset and attitude is applied is incredible.

If you know someone who is going through a tough time, whether mentally or physically, go and give that person the time and attention they probably need and deserve. Not everyone will ask for it, so it's helpful some times to reach out. It will go along way and have such a positive impact on them.

If you know someone who works as a Surgeon, Doctor, Medical Consultant, Nurse, Hospital Porter or anyone who works within the health or aged care industries go and give that person a high-five, a pat on the back, take them down the pub, buy them a drink or give them a big hug. They deserve it.

To Alan, Goeffrey and Sandro, the three elderly gentlemen I have had the pleasure of sharing the ward with this week, your stories and strength have inspired me no end. I wish you a speedy recovery and hope you are all back out on the golf course soon.

So much unexpected learning this week that I can and will apply to my day to day both personally and professionally.

"The capability of human life is beyond our imagination. What counts is the human capacity to investigate and transform our own mind and the world around us in a powerful and positive direction."

- Gelek Rimpoche -