Tim M- "My New Normal"
Story brought to you in partnership with our friends at Mercy’s MSU Care Clinic
Photo by Randy Bacon
I was an athlete and very active growing up. I played competitive baseball and football and suffered my share of hits to the body and head throughout the years. My memory is no good now. But the toll it’s taken on my body has been rough. I had four or five bones that were poking into my spine and I didn’t have any insurance. There were a lot of other things that were wrong too. I had depression and anxiety and I realized I needed help. I don’t know how I found out about the care clinic but I did and they got me into care right away. I got an MRI and found out what was really going on with my neck and ended up having surgery. I started feeling better almost immediately after surgery, and now I feel a lot better. I have a few complications here and there, but all in all I have a lot less pain and that really helps.
I’m very very lucky, it's gotten better. I’ve also been given some anti-depression medication and anti-anxiety medication and my quality of life is much better. Right now I am a patient of Mercy. Everything’s fine. I have insurance now and it’s been really nice. I try to come into the clinic and say hi, and donate a few things here or there. I haven’t been there lately but it's my way of saying thank you for all of the help. I used to run the food pantry and I also used to donate clothes, food, and stuff like that. It seems like I have a lot more confidence and get out more without fear and anxiety. It’s amazing to be in a lot less daily pain, you know, and my pain is not like it used to be for sure. I just feel better. From what I’ve learned, pain can cause depression. My depression has practically gone away because I am not in so much pain anymore. Unfortunately, the surgery I had was pretty major and so I really can’t be physical anymore. I cannot lift anything and I am pretty limited in what I can do physically. All the work that I’ve ever been trained in is pretty physical so now I am not working which is kind of a bummer. My neurosurgeon said this is my new normal. I just have to change the way I physically do things.
It has been a year but it's sinking in because each time I try to do anything physical, it's just more pain. I got a dog though and he and I keep each other company. I’ve raised him since he was about 6 weeks old. We walk a lot and keep each other company and it's a good fit. It's nice to know that I'm taking care of someone. I still look back and am very appreciative of all that has been done for me. It’s had a huge impact on my life. Probably one of the biggest impacts ever.
“For many in our community, routine doctor visits and prescription medications are far too expensive to access. Every day, people are forced to choose between food and medication or delay treatment for health issues until they are life threatening due to an inability to pay. MSU and Mercy partnered together to break the cycle of poor health and offer hope for the uninsured in our community. The only clinic of its kind in Missouri, the MSU Care Clinic offers uninsured patients top-quality primary care and prescription medications completely free of charge. We know every story—every person—has tremendous value. That is why at MSU Care, we are proud to give compassionate care and exceptional service at no charge to those in the greatest need.”
As an ongoing nonprofit movement, the ability for us to change the world through people and their stories is determined by the love and support of compassionate people, like you. The photography, films, website, written stories, exhibitions, community events and all other aspects of 8 Billion Ones are made possible by the generous financial support of the "ones", like you. Please consider a tax-deductible gift today to help us continue sharing important, life-changing stories of people - just like you.