Chapter 6: A Big Difference

Mia was pleased to tell her mother that she was now covered by her health insurance, and she had an appointment with an orthopedic specialist.

At the appointment, she asked Mia to stay in the room while she examined Lucia closely, with only a fragile paper gown open on her back. The doctor had a request for the last part of the exam.

“Mrs. Perez, I need to see you walk, your gait. I need you to just walk back and forth across the room four or five times, totally naked so that the muscles and movement in your back and hips are visible.

“Try to be relaxed; think of yourself walking a dog or something. Don’t hold the tension in your shoulders. Alright, let’s begin. That’s good, very good. Just strolling back and forth on a summer day. Alright, thank you. I’m going to step out now so you can dress. Come on back to my office when you’re ready.”

After she left, Mia said, “You look great, Mama. I hope Dad told you so. You could put my head on your body, and Gabe would hardly notice the difference.”

“Mia, stop! That’s not true. I’m all saggy and lumpy, and you’re still young and smooth.”

“I can’t argue you into having better self-esteem. But the next man or woman who sees you naked is going to be happily surprised. I’d bet real money on it.”

From behind her desk, the specialist was ready for them. With a smile on her face and a warm tone, she continued to keep them at ease. “I hope you won’t mind if I speak plainly. I had to check your records. I was expecting a 53-year-old woman with back problems. Then I see a healthy woman, about 40, in my exam room. I almost asked for your ID. Your daughter looks like your sister, and that’s not because she appears older than her age.

While examining you and comparing your scans, it became abundantly clear to me that my predecessors had given you poor advice and treatment in the past. Ultimately, you may need back surgery, but there are many things we can do before you reach that point to make you more comfortable.”

After discussing various treatments and drug therapies, the specialist wound up her remarks with this: “I would write you a prescription, but it wouldn’t be honored. Nevertheless, in your case, I would consider it a medical necessity.

“You need a backyard spa, what’s commonly called a ‘hot tub.’ It’s essentially a miniature above-ground pool. Molded seats with embedded air and water jets surround the sides, while the water temperature hovers around 102°, akin to a warm whirlpool bath. Fixtures installed in regular bathrooms or in hotel rooms aren’t big enough. You should be able to stretch out completely and be fully immersed, up to the neck.

“I want you to find either a business that rents time in spas (or hot tubs) or a vacation rental, a property that includes a spa, like what I am describing. When you have experienced one of these, you’ll know what a spa can do for you.