Patient testimonial: Tim H.

UBC Client Interview

What circumstances brought you to UBC? 

I figured I wasn’t ever going to work again, but then I got a call from my vocational counselor regarding attending UBC-Puyallup.  Because I was already capable of some activity, such as hunting and fishing, I didn’t want to go to a pain clinic.  After I had surgery in January of 2006, I tried physical therapy until L&I said, “No more,” and then I was just living day-to-day.  I started at UBC around Thanksgiving of that year, but I wish I had begun the program earlier.  I did four and a half weeks, plus a two week extension. "

Was there something your employer could have done to have prevented your injury? 

"I had been a log truck driver and my injury, I was told, came from years of doing that.  However, when I fell off the truck that one day, well that’s what set it all off."

Please describe yourself before and after UBC.

"I was very active, riding my four-wheeler and hunting and fishing.  Once I was injured, I gave all that up and sold my four-wheeler.  I was in constant pain and couldn’t swallow enough pills to take the pain away.  Now, since UBC, I am ready to purchase another quad and return to enjoying the heck out of life (i.e. hunting, fishing, playing with kids, lots of walking).  I haven’t taken pain pills since I graduated from UBC.  Endorphins are the best “pills” I can take.  Even on the bad days, I’m able to function.

Describe your UBC experience.

"The first few days in the program, I was resisting it.  I fought extremely hard inside my head for the first week.  After a while UBC’s program started to make sense, and then I began to really apply myself.  The staff is wonderful, especially Mary Jo and David.  Really, everyone was helpful:  Summer, Nurse Andra, Dr. Watt, Dr. Hwang, Ms. Donna, and Julie.  I know the proper body mechanics now and I became an expert at occupational therapy."

How has the UBC experience affected your work life? 

"I didn’t think I would ever be able to work again, but now I’m back at the fire department (as a volunteer) and working full time in construction, driving gravel trucks and operating the backhoe and bulldozer.  South Bend only has volunteer firefighters, and I had been one for six years when I was injured.  I thought I would have to resign, but the chief kept me on and now I’m fully back on the team.  UBC gave me back my life, and then some."

How has the UBC experience affected your quality-of-life?

"I’ve learned how to use proper body mechanics and which stretches to use when I’m really hurting and how to take care of my body.  I can do pretty much everything I want now."

Comment on the comradeship you felt among other clients at UBC.

"Other clients really helped me, especially the new ones.  I would see how bad off they were and I’d try to help.  I became kind of a teacher and it made me work harder myself – the other clients began to motivate me.  I became friends with one guy in particular and we had friendly competitions between us.  I wish I lived closer to UBC-Puyallup, that place is just wonderful!"

What is UBC doing well? 

"UBC helps people get control of their life and back to work.  I think everyone who struggles with chronic pain should attend UBC.  People who go to UBC get their lives back.  This place is outstanding.  I wish I would have been sent here long ago."

What else could UBC have done to have helped facilitate your recovery? 

"Nothing.  UBC did what it needed to do especially well.  Very kind and understanding people.  I thank the whole staff from the bottom of my heart.  I wish I lived closer so I could use the exercise equipment and see the staff.  After spending every day there for weeks, I felt as though they were family.  I feel so much better, and a big part of it was UBC.  I’m a new person since UBC."