Dr. Barnes is a unique man and I am grateful that he is my doctor
On September 23, 2017, I unfortunately fell while stepping up on the small concrete porch in front of my townhouse. My right foot did not come up as far as needed and the toe of my shoe hit the outside of the concrete sending me sprawling onto a porch chair putting all my weight on to my left leg...in particular my left knee. After I assested my physical condition, I determined that nothing was broken, but that I had badly injured my left knee.
The real problem was yet to come, as the sun was beating down on me and it was in the 90's. The reason I was so intent and hurrying was so I could get back in the house and take a shower, as I had been washing clothes and was really exhaused from all my efforts during the morning hours. I needed to replenish my fluids...something I did not do before goiing outside.
My real problem is my inability to stand back up without help...something I normally can work around, but after exhausting every avenue couldn't find anything that I could hold on to and raise myself up. My immediate neighbors were not available...Saturday isn't a day to stay home! Finally I manage to attract the attention of a tenant across the street from my unit and he was gracious enough to assist me. All this took about forty-five minutes.
I managed to get inside my unit and called Dr. Barnes, just to report what I had experienced and get his advice. Thinking that elevating my leg, ice pack and Tylenol would be enough. Dr. Barnes had a different agenda...one that he personally implemented by making a house call, assessing my situation, and then driving me to urgent care for emergency treatment. Transporting me, meant that he had to drive my Vibe, stick-shift vehicle...a feat he bravely took on and actually was able to master remarkably well.
Dr. Barnes brought a wheelchair for me to use and wheeled me inside, then remained with me while they completed the procedures he requested. He took the time to bring me home...this all took hours on a Saturday afternoon!
The nursing staff was, of course, impressed with his kindness and care...but explained that they were well aware of the care he personally takes of all his patients. Something that I don't take for granted, as this wasn't the first experience I had with him...but that's another story.
The thing I do know is that whenever I mention that I am a patient of Dr. Barnes's everyone tells me just how lucky I am to have him as my physician. They all have stories to share of Dr. Barnes's personal care and kindness involving his patients. In the middle of all this seriousness...we must add his sense ot humor...sometimes the saving grace when you are the patient!
Dr Barnes's patience, kindness and care cannot be measured in dollars and cent...there simply isn't enough money to repay him for all he willing and selflessly does for others. Dr. Barnes is a unique man and I am grateful that he is my doctor and has been since I retired to this area in 2003.