Cute Shoes!

Theresa comes in wearing the cutest shoes – that’s why I notice her tonight. It is an unusual sight here at the clinic – someone well dressed.

She tells me that is why she’s here – her feet hurt! Oh, my. And you are wearing those shoes? She laughs, but she likes her cute shoes.

It is interesting what you notice. I didn’t see the depression and anxiety. But she has been a patient here for six or seven years – mostly dealing with depression, anxiety and asthma. That is a pretty common list of diagnoses for someone coming to the clinic.

She is married with three children. Her husband works full-time, as does she. Neither of their jobs provides healthcare insurance. The children are covered by the Michigan Medicaid program for children, so they have full coverage – healthcare and dental.

The clinic is able to provide her with the medications she needs to control her asthma. She gets medication for the depression and anxiety – but, is a pill really enough? I always worry that we are unable to do enough – a pill won’t fix the problems… just help deal with the day to day.

And, her foot pain, what is that about? She was able to see the podiatrist here and have x-rays done. The x-rays were “normal for a patient of this age.” The podiatrist diagnosed her with “foot pain due to pinched nerve.” He recommended she wear a “good shoe.”

She was here in snow boots the last time I saw her, which is a good choice in this climate! She told me her feet hurt no matter what shoes she wears, so she wears her cute shoes when she wants to, and “sensible shoes” the rest of the time.

Maybe by this time next year, she will have healthcare insurance. Until then, we will help her to deal with the asthma and the depression. And, admire her cute shoes.