The Uphill River

02/18/2024

I was writing on a thread about the poor care he ‘s getting in a snf. He’s making all the common mistakes, and I was trying to throw him a life line I’ve done that repeatedly on these peer sites when I felt I could be helpful. It made me reflect on my modest attempt to help their care.
To anyone who has suffered the indignity, disgust and frustration of being placed in a snf and received improper care , on behalf of those of us who give a damn, I apologize. I know that accomplishes nothing. The worst mistake made in this country was allowing any medical facility to become “for profit “. It’s going to change about the day we achieve gun control. The legislators only respond by making things worse with useless, impractical rules proposed by self serving lobbyists and”experts”, who if they ever delivered care - don’t remember how demanding it can be.
I retired in 2016 after dedicating 33 years of practice to a patient population that stole my heart. I kept in touch with my therapists and became more appalled at the inappropriate rehab being offered by the treating hospitals. What could I do? I decided to spend my time and money to provide a physician and a patient manual to allow the patients to win a battle, even though the overall war was raging on. Education is our only weapon to protect us from bad care, yet few have taken advantage of an opportunity to educate others to protect themselves. Some of those same people have spent much more on tattoos and unproven treatments. Any spinal cord who is unhappy with their care should visit my website and consider how they could improve their situation. At least I tried to improve the situation before I and my knowledge disappear forever.

Spinal Cord Injury Physician Manual - for special spinal cord medial problems and a less technical manual for patient's medical support.

02/08/2024

So I'm getting really old in Kelly years. I know I did not originate the birthday fundraiser idea - but I like it. I do totally support St. Jude and their mission and I'm a monthly contributor. As I wrote in my memoir, we lived a charmed life compared to most. We had our share of highs and lows, but we never had to deal with significant childhood illness. Ours were all orthopedic: the oldest breaking his hand karate chopping the middle one's head, the middle child fracturing a clavicle after a fall from a four-wheeler, and the youngest fracturing her radius falling off her brother's bunkbed. How trivial and forgettable compared to having a child with cancer. One can only imagine the agony of going through that experience. I especially like their approach to complete care - of the patient and family. With the worse than ever greed of the insurance companies, to not have to worry about bills has to be some relief. When I would counsel the families of patients about to die, I would tell them, "They are now the center of the universe. They need to feel free to discuss whatever they want - without concern for your feelings. It is now about them, only. That's the last, best gift you can give them." I feel that is what St. Jude provides their patients. What a blessing for those who need them.
I have one more plug I would like to support. Trying to connect with spinal cord patients concerning the manuals I wrote for "The Medical Management of the Spinal Cord Patient", I joined and have participated with several peer support groups. I have developed a relationship with an amazing young lady by the name of Lauren Harmison. Lauren lives in the Fort Wayne area of Indiana. She recently acquired her CRNP. She has an unbelievable devotion to the spinal cord patients. She does hands on care for those slipping through the cracks, formed a non-profit called Possability Unlimited to provide community opportunities for the patients and respite for their caretakers. She has created a library of "how to" film resources for the topics that aren't popular but are crucial for the special needs of the spinal cord patients. She is to Fort Wayne, what John Sikora and Leah Gray and a host of others were and are to Pittsburgh with the development of Hope Network. I'm going to start a fundraiser for her project. I mean no disrespect to Hope Network or the Ryan Shazeer Fund, but I think her start-up could use a boost. Pittsburgh has a rich history of providing for these patients. I would like to support Lauren and her efforts because no spinal cord should be left behind - especially when the insurance companies, and the hospitals to some extent, are ranking dollars above specialty care.
If you have a few spare dollars, consider giving to these entities.
In my world, 73 is the new 93. I am honored to be a part of these fundraisers.

05/17/2023

FINALLY. KEEP JULY 18, 2023 OPEN!
Just finalized a date for a book signing and open house at Encompass (Harmarville). They want to use this as an opportunity to have the community visit the facility and are providing a dinner which will start at 5pm! I will be forwarding more information in a week or so. Yes I know some of you will be on vacation, but this is a very gracious offer. We all have our personal feelings, but I'm asking the Alums to bring someone who's never been there. I'll negotiate a separate room for the alums to meet during the evening. We're running out of time and opportunities so do your best to get there and connect with alums who aren't on the internet so they know about the event. They will have an online RSVP. I'll work on getting some other doctors there.
Stay tuned,
Dr. Kelly

05/11/2023

This memoir gives a unique behind the scenes story of a young couple and their struggles to survive medical school, child rearing- with an absent father, and having nobody to give them insight to the demands that lie ahead. They face each adversity together and finally achieve some stability through a job they hadn’t considered. The mystery continues as God points them in the right direction at every fork in the river. Dr Kelly’s easy and comedic style jumps off the pages. It may be a different era, but the commitment and tenacity is apparent. It’s a read you will thoroughly enjoy.

02/22/2023

Hi everyone.
I wanted to spread the word that on Wednesday, March 1,2023 at 6:30PM, I will have a book signing and sale at Northern Tier Library
4015 Dickey Road
Gibsonia Pa 15044
I will give a short presentation, answer questions and sign books. If you want to buy a book, get yours signed, or just connect please join us. Discover the behind the scenes story of my becoming a doctor in the 20th century, the quirky life Dolly and I lived, and my style of practice in my memoir,
“The Uphill River”

02/19/2023

10/07/2022

I was interviewed by the Butler Eagle about my background in anticipation of my presentation and book signing on Tuesday, October 11th at 6:30pm at the South Butler Community Library in Saxonburg. “The Uphill River” is about the journey to become a physician, the insecurities of being a young physician, and providing care to people and families in their darkest hour. Laughter really is the best medicine. You’ll laugh, cry and share the experience of human resilience. Join us for some fun, book excerpts and a chance to connect. Hope to see you there!

09/18/2022

BOOK SIGNING - - Tuesday, Oct 11th, 6:30pm at the South Butler Community Library in Saxonburg.

I wanted to spread the word that on Tuesday, October 11, 2022 at 6:30 pm, I will be having a book signing and sale at the South Butler Community Library in Saxonburg. I will give a short presentation, answer questions and do a book signing.

If you need a book, want your book signed, or would like to connect on a more personal level then please join us. Discover my behind the scenes story about becoming a doctor, the quirky life Dolly and I lived, and my style of practice as a doctor through my memoir, “The Uphill River!”