As The Belly Grows ...

As the belly grows things get interesting ...

Patients start asking "are you pregnant?" They get all upset when you say yes and they respond with "why didn't you tell me?" Well, for one thing, while most of the female patients are excited and smiley there are some patients who have a decrease in confidence in you as a doctor. Being pregnant is the highest of the female tasks and while female chiropractors are gaining more headway as great doctors it brings us right back to the beginning when patients associate the doctor with pregnancy. Most of patient's concerns deal with the physical side of adjusting. Let me address that right now ... while it will become more difficult to adjust with 1-2 feet of belly sticking out in front of me, you would never say anything to that 350lb male chiropractor down the street! I'm sure his belly is just as big (or larger) than mine will be. From large amounts of research I have found that most pregnant chiropractors are fine adjusting all the way up until they give birth. The only thing that may hold them back is energy level. I am looking forward to working right until I pop! Being at the office adjusting patients is like a great workout that lasts all day. I am expecting it to prepare me for labor.

Another interesting side is the amount of movement you can feel. It hits you at the strangest time, like when you are taking notes on a new patient, or when you are doing some myofascial (muscle) work, or when you are on the phone and boom! that internal belly poke. While I love the constant reminder the baby is in there it's hard not to act distracted when it catches you off guard. Kinda funny actually when I have to explain to my NEW patient what's really going on. Oh the joys!

Oh How Things Change

Haven't posted in a while so there are numerous things to update on ...

In the past months ... found out we were expecting, packed up everything and moved to Arizona for an amazing job, moved into a great house, and settled into our new life.

I am very excited to say that with a baby on the way the Blog will have all sorts of new things to talk about (as well as funny stories and situations).

The Job ... I have accepted a position as an associate in an Applied Kinesiology office that also does Nutrition. The office has a great flow and the staff is extremely pleasant to be around. It makes for a peaceful healing environment. I am sure patients appreciate this. Most patients have been with the other doctor for over 10 years (some as long as 18). It is nice to see patients realize and carry out the benefits of wellness care. I feel as though this will be home for a while. I am slowing but surely building up my side of the practice and am ready for the future.

The Baby ... This week has been full of milestones! We heard the heartbeat at our home on a fetoscope (like a stethoscope but made specifically for pregnancy) and we were able to feel the baby kicking and moving around from the outside. So far there has been no impedance in working or adjusting patients. The belly is not big enough for people to realize I'm expecting let alone get in the way of an adjustment. I am sure the day will come when I have to think about "how am I going to get that bone right there to move with this belly!" Everyone in the office is excited to be able to have an office mascot come early May. I am sure with all the women we have here the baby will be loved all day long (even if it isn't by me all day).

Keep posted for updates :)

And It Begins

As license for Florida rolls into my hands I am beginning the process of opening an office. As it is scary and exciting at the same time I can't help but feel overwhelmed at the moment. Who knew so much went into starting a business. I am in the very beginning stages ... researching and meeting with a CPA to organize myself and prepare.

It seems as though when people know you are beginning this adventure everyone has something to say, some advice to offer, or some negative experience to throw at you. I have to say that while all thoughts are welcomed with open ears all negativity is thrown right back out the other side. I have no room in my mind for such nonsense. I am surrounding my self with positive thoughts and happy karma and I thank EVERYONE who is contributing as such.

I will look back on this time of feeling so lost and overwhelmed and feel proud of myself for how much has been accomplished and how beautifully things turned out.

HERE WE GO! :)

Birthday

As I turn 29 I realize all I have accomplished thus far. My movement towards being a professional has been nothing but trying and COMPLETELY worth it. I have enjoyed every moment along the way. From almost not going to college because my mother wanted me to stay home and get a job, to present day waiting for license to come in the mail.

I am thankful for all the years I have surpassed and all the more the come. I can not believe it is my last year in my 20's! I will embrace it with open arms and see all it has to offer. I am sure there are many changes to come this next year making the turn to 30 a magnificent one. Cannot wait!

Update

So it has been a while since applying fro license in both California and Florida. Still no word on either state however I am telling myself to remain patient and count my blessings I have a job to hold me over until I can participate in my true calling.
I have been thinking more and more about moving back to San Diego and working with a doctor in Pacific Beach. It would be an amazing opportunity and well worth the experience. I am working on recruiting someone to move with me. Of course this thought is a while off from being executed, however still a realistic dream. I would be working with a well established Applied Kinesiologist whose practice has been growing fro years in the pacific beach area.
I want nothing more for my career than to be respected and appreciated for what I have to offer and I believe in PB I can achieve such a goal.

Finding a Job

So as my license is closer to coming in the mail I am searching for a place to practice in FL (or anywhere I would love to live for that matter). It is hard to find something in this economy that is a legitimate office and has a respectable practice. Most offices have taken note from pain clinics and thrive on insurance companies and bleeding people dry (not the route I want to take). However, other offices I would love to work in are down 25% in office collections which is not the time to bring in a new doctor. I am working hard at finding a place to practice, even if it means a move out of the state.

WISH ME LUCK!