My Day as a Physical Therapist at UNC-CH
The day starts with no swelling
in my legs and minimal pain
in my right low back. But I know
what is to come. Sitting to write notes,
I can feel my lower legs swell. Thankfully,
I have support hose to lessen the edema.
Walking slowly, leaning over to help
short Ms. Lovell advance her rolling walker,
increases my back pain. Have tried various
braces to no avail.
I yearn to lie down but it is on to Ms. Jones
who needs help getting her legs out of bed
after a hip replacement. Lifting her legs,
we inch towards the side of the bed,
my back is as scorched as a used match.
As soon as she is sitting on the bed,
I can stand up, relieve the burn.
The day goes on, next instruct Mr. Smith
on the stairs. The support hose are doing
their job, at home I can lie down.
But today, despite the pain
and swelling, I have helped patients move
towards their goal of returning home.
It has been a good day.
Code Blue anthology
Tales from the Bedside
2026
