Patient Stories
Health Connect: A Patient Story About Strength and Recovery
Our patients are at the core of what we do. Michele found a supportive team here at CHDC, where our staff have supported her recovery journey. Her advice to those facing similar challenges: "Once in recovery, you need to bulletproof your sobriety." Michele's story is a testament to the transformative power of finding community and embracing recovery.
What brought you to CHDC and how long have you been a patient here?
I’ve been coming here since March [of 2023]. One of the girls in my house, she comes here. A couple of the girls come here actually. And you know what I love about this place? I love the people. They’re very caring, very genuine, and they take care of you.
What services have you used?
Physical Therapy, Medical, and Dental.
What program or provider at CHDC has had the most positive impact on your health?
So I’ve had a really good experience here. I have Neliza [Lao] and she’s really good, and I’m doing PT which is really good. They are really supportive of my recovery. They respect my recovery and they’re all for it. They know that there’s certain things that as an addict, I can’t do. They’re not going to prescribe me medications or something that could screw me up. I think this is a really good place and I’m blessed to have this doctor’s office, really.
How has Physical Therapy improved your daily life?
PT so far has been very thorough, genuinely caring about my well-being and getting better. I’m able to get around a little better, and I’ve been pushing to not use the cane as much, trying to stand up straight, and just start walking normal again. They are very motivating, it definitely gives me hope that I can get straightened out. I was more of a mess than I thought once they did the evaluation!
What message would you like to share about your journey?
I was really in hardcore addiction since I was like 15. My dad took his life when I was 10 and I just found solace in drugs and alcohol. And from there on, I was very destructive and only cared about one thing: drugs. Like I said, this is the strongest and longest sobriety I’ve had. I feel like that part [addiction] of my life is over.
I just got certified as a Certified Recovery Specialist. I’m not working right now because of my physical stuff, but once Physical Therapy is able to help fix me up… I want to help others. I’ve done so many wrongs. I’ve been in jails, I’ve been in prisons, I’ve been in rehabs, I’ve been in mental institutions, you name it, I’ve been there. But with the certification and my background, it’s perfect because it basically qualifies me to help others. You have to want it. My relationships with my family are great; my daughter and I talk all the time. I love her so much; she is a part of my support. She came out to visit and I saw her, you know, and I talk to her every day. So, all of my relationships have definitely flourished.
What advice would you give to someone experiencing addiction?
I would tell them, “It’s not easy, but it’s not hard”. Once in recovery, you need to bulletproof your sobriety. If in doubt, cut it out! You know, in the beginning is always the hardest but you have to make that one sacrifice for yourself. It’s a beautiful thing to see somebody that is down and out and at their worst come in, get treatment, and come back to life. It’s like a metamorphosis! They have hope again, they have love in their life, and they have strength again. They’re so resilient, it’s a beautiful thing. So definitely just take that first step.
From Courtney, Ancillary Services Support and Insurance Specialist at CHDC:
Our appointments are always one-on-one, for an entire hour. When you come in for the initial evaluation and Matt, Leeat, and Cesar will document everything. They’ll get the patient’s whole history, what’s going on, and give them a chance to tell their story. So, the team will know what to do, what not to do, what the patient is comfortable with, etc.
They figure out a plan for you, they’ll give you exercises to do at home so that it helps to strengthen your body in between appointments. So, they put the treatment plan into effect and then it can be four, six, or eight weeks, it all depends. [Your treatment plan] could be longer than that, it all just depends on how you’re healing. They’ll try to get to know you and your story and figure out what to do.
Thank you to Michele, for sharing your CHDC Patient Story. If you have a patient story that you would like to share, please speak to your provider or call 610-326-9460 and ask for our Marketing Department.
If you would like to schedule an appointment at CHDC, please call 610-326-9460 to speak with a Patient Services Representative.