By: Nompilo
People always ask why I became a physiotherapist. Please allow me to share my life-changing experience that led me to this rewarding career.
As a 12-year-old living in a deep rural area, my world was turned upside down when I was bitten by a venomous cobra. The pain was excruciating, and I was rushed to the hospital. I spent over a month in the hospital, undergoing treatment and facing numerous challenges.
The cobra venom had taken a toll on my body. I suffered from pulmonary edema, which made breathing a struggle. My heart rate was erratic, and I experienced tachycardia. The venom had also caused bilateral lower limbs paralysis, leaving me unable to move my legs. To make matters worse, I was confused and disoriented, struggling to make sense of what was happening around me.
Growing up in a rural area, I had never heard of something called “physical therapy” or “physiotherapy.” But that all changed when I met my physiotherapist. She introduced me to a different world, a world of exercises and techniques that would help me recover from the snakebite.
My physiotherapist was more than just a healthcare professional – she was a guardian angel. She not only helped me with physical exercises but also educated me on ways to breathe better. She’d work on my chest, helping me expand my lungs and take deeper breaths. It was incredible how much of a difference it made.
In addition she also gave me daily functional activities to help me regain my memory, strength and mobility. She’d have me practice simple tasks like getting out of bed, sitting, and eventually standing and walking. It was a long and arduous journey, but with her guidance and support, I slowly began to regain control over my body.
But what struck me most was the kindness, compassion, and dedication of my physiotherapist. She’d spend hours with me, encouraging me to push beyond my limits. In that moment, I knew that I wanted to become a physiotherapist when I grew up. I wanted to make a difference in people’s lives, just like my physiotherapist had made a difference in mine.
As I reflect on my journey, I’m reminded of 1 Corinthians 16:14, which says, “Let all that you do be done in love.” My physiotherapist embodied this verse, showing me that even in the darkest of times, love, care, and compassion can make all the difference.
Today, as a physiotherapist myself, I look back on that experience with gratitude. It taught me the value of compassion, empathy, and hard work. And it reminded me that even in the darkest of times, there’s always hope for recovery and a brighter future.