Panel Lessons to Tuck in a Special Place!

So this is my way of checking in and letting ya'll know that I'm still alive and kicking. This semester has just been a huge roller coaster for me academically and emotionally and I have not had the time nor energy to sit down and type.

Since I have about a 2 day break from school work, I decided to get on here and share what I thought was an amazing and much needed guest lecture. So, on Wednesday for my conditions class my professor invited 4 individuals to participate on a panel where each shared their "disability" experience. Although, in our profession we emphasize person before disability, it is not appropriate for me to disclose the identity of these individuals. However, I can share their conditions for those interested. TBI (ATV accident), Stroke (she had a stroke twice, each time after the birth of her children), T8-T9 SCI (skiing accident), C5-C6 SCI (car accident). As they spoke, my professor occasionally interjected and shared some of her experiences working with patients as well.  

Here is a cumulative list of many of the lessons they each had to share:

"The therapy team acts a connection. They help individuals plug themselves back into their lives."

"It's import to work with a team that can help you in areas that you are weaker in."

"The words you choose and the attitude you have as a clinician are powerful."

"Don't take away their hope. Don't give false hope. Don't lie."

"Allow families to have their faith and support them in it. You don't have to agree with their faith...it's not about you."

The patient is not the only one who can lose their identity. Traumatic events are traumatic to the whole family.

"As an OT you are the nucleus"

"Take the time to listen to caregivers, they may give you information that can enhance your therapy and thus help the patient improve."

"Therapeutic use of self is not just for the patient."

"Things may not become easier, but they can become possible, if you change your mindset."

"You can't feel sorry for your patient and you don't want to become too attached to them. It will hinder you from doing your job and your patient can take advantage of you."

"You never fail until you give up. If you don't give up you can't fail."

A journal may be helpful for patients who don't feel like they are making any progress

"Doesn't matter how bad you feel. Doesn't matter what happened when you woke up, when you drove to work, when you got to work... Leave it at the door!" 

The panel members also shared some of their not so good experiences with the medical team. It was shocking some of the stories they told. The story that stuck out the most to me is the one where the mother of one of the individuals stated that when her son was in his coma, the physician walked in sniffed over his bed and said something along the lines of "Smells like death today." :O Jaw dropper right? Yeessss!! Unbelievable smh. 

Well, that's all I wanted to share. Take care. I will update ya'll on my FWI: MH and Peds rotation soon! :)