Instead of rapid, and often emotional instead of logical pendulum swings like we are experiencing now with pain as the 5th Vital Sign, we need a return of nuance. We need the return of policy-based nerds. We need drug companies who work towards better science first and shareholder profit second. We need doctors who understand that hope belongs on Hallmark cards because the real comfort to patients is medical options. Finally, and most importantly, we need more chronic and acute pain stories from patients based on vulnerability and life, not ideological entertainment. This nuance will finally help us bridge the gap between healthcare poetry and prose which will ultimately lead to a higher quality of life for all I have to believe.

Despite the pain, despite the fear, despite the trauma of the night of my rock-climbing accident, I have only regretted my choice to go climbing that night a handful of times at most. Even more surprising to many would be the fact of couple of those times were basically academic exercises wondering where my life would be today if I hadn’t gone climbing that night. I’m a potato kid (born and raised in Idaho) who went to college at an institution whose biggest claim to fame is its blue smurf turf the football team plays on. Yet I was invited to speak at a medical conference at Stanford University. Yet, I went back to school and earned a second degree in accounting despite having 4 surgeries while in school. Yet, I bought my first house. Yet, yet, yet… My point, yes trauma causes drama. However, it is a workable problem for which can make our stories intriguing and exciting which gives us a better shot at getting the girl like in the movies (in my case the girl being Stanford University, a house, a second degree, and most importantly, this opportunity to share my story with you as a patient advocate).