Patient Profile: Jennifer
Jennifer manages her diabetes with the help of the staff at the Medical Care Mission.
Jennifer had diabetes and no access to medication.
It had been two years since Jennifer had been diagnosed with diabetes, and when she came to the Medical Care Mission, she was out of resources and feeling lousy.
That’s when Ginger Fabrizio, PA-C, handed Jennifer a flyer about a program that the Mission offers for diabetic patients. Common Ground: Diabetes and the Whole Person, is a free monthly program designed to offer information and to serve as a support system for people who are living with diabetes. The program is open to the public, and topics include nutrition, exercise, complications, medication and regular monitoring.
“I saw the flyer and thought, ‘I’m going to that!’” Jennifer said. “I don’t know much about diabetes, and I’m trying to be informed.”
Since coming to the Mission, Jennifer has begun taking Metformin and Avandia and is making regular appointments to consult with Ginger and to monitor her progress. Jennifer’s diabetes management plan also includes attending Common Ground.
“At the meeting about foot care, I learned that I shouldn’t wear flip flops,” she said. “I’m still putting all of the information into practice, but I am definitely more intentional about the way I care for my feet.”
During the meeting about oral medications, Jennifer learned more about how the medication she takes each day works in and affects her body, which she says is helpful in keeping track of what is working and how she is feeling.
And she’s feeling better.
“I’m not as tired,” she said, “unless I’ve been up all night studying.”
Jennifer has graduated from the billing and coding program at American Commercial College and is now studying to be a medical assistant. She says becoming a patient at the Mission has helped her improve her overall health so that she feels well enough to pursue her goals.
“I am much more aware of my medical needs now that I have a place to go,” she said, “and everyone is so helpful.”
Common Ground meets every third Tuesday of the month from 6-7 p.m. at the Medical Care Mission at 1857 Pine Street in Abilene, Texas. For more information or to share ideas about session topics, please contact Rev. Amy Wilson, Director of Spiritual Wellness, at (325) 676-3104, Ext. 113, or at amy@medicalcaremission.org.
