GriefSPEAK: We must be our own best advocate. Our lives can depend on it. – Mari Nardolillo Dias
by Mari Nardolillo Dias, contributing writer on grief and grieving It all began with pain in my knee. I was on a zoom call and had extended my leg to rest on a chair when my knee locked. While unlocking it, I felt a sharp, stabbing, throbbing pain shoot up my leg. Hmmmm. A solitary incident? Unfortunately, no. The following morning, I could not bend my knee. Time to get a quick check on it. I made an appointment at a local orthopedic walk-in clinic, expecting maybe an x-ray, and suggestions. I received both by a young Physician’s Assistant (PA). She showed me the x-ray, pointing out “mild joint space loss consistent with osteoarthritis, particularly in the patellofemoral compartment.” (PA, Clinical Notes). She asked if I wanted a cortisone shot. “Why not?” I responded. Dear readers, I’ll tell you why not. The PA told me to expect a small pinch. I was texting at the time, so I didn’t see it. Or feel it. As I was complimenting her on the lack of pain, there was a ...