Real People. Real Solutions.

How my interest in health all started.

Then

I grew up in Colorado riding bikes, skiing, hiking, camping, fishing, just generally an active kid. But once every two years or so I would have agonizing, crippling pain in my left side. The doctors, of whom I saw many over the years, could not figure out the cause of the pain. After a few weeks the pain would slowly subside, then completely disappear. This went on from as long as I can remember until I was 17.

When I was 17 a savvy Dr. ordered a test called an intravenous pyelogram. By passing dye through my kidney, while using fluoroscopy (a movie of X-ray images) proper kidney function can be determined. As the exam was taking place, I was able to watch, on a screen, in real time. Turns out I had an ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction. A UPJ obstruction is a blockage at the renal pelvis (outlet) of the kidney where it meets the ureter, the tube that takes urine to the bladder. Because of this, I had an incredibly painful condition known as hydronephrosis. Urine backs up in the kidney and in my case would greatly distend the kidney. After a few procedures and a rather painful surgery the problem was finally remedied for good.

As a 17 year old with no background in medical science watching the fluoroscopy exam blew my mind. The process from diagnosis through completion of surgery, as well as what was performed in the surgery was also incredibly fascinating to me. The thought of leaving behind continued bouts of excruciating pain was overwhelming. I had just accepted the “pain trials” as part of life. All those factors implanted a deep interest in medical science and what it takes to be healthy in me as a teenager. An interest, little did I know, at the time, I would expand upon later in my life.

Now

After some years I went back to school to become an X-ray and MRI Technologist. I love the science of medical imaging, being part of helping people figure out what is wrong with them, as had been done in my case. Using state of the art MRI technology to peer inside the human body is an absolutely spectacular experience. Recently I continued my education and became a Physical Therapist Assistant. I love the longer term relationship of patient care and the opportunity to educate patients regarding their condition, treatment and overall healthy lifestyle.

The two disciplines complement each other so well. One determines what is wrong and the other one works to fix it. I am licensed MRI Technologist and work with small outpatient imaging facilities, large hospitals and sometimes as a travel MRI tech. I am also founder and president of a in home health Physical Therapy Assistant company. Being in both fields puts me on the front lines of the latest information regarding the highest level of personal health and quality of life. I am incredibly excited to share my continued journey with everyone I can!