Neuro Note 5

“The Fundamentals of Caring”

While going through the choices on my last neuro note, I wanted to do it on a diagnosis that is still relatively new to me, and at the same time interesting. The Netflix original, “The Fundamentals of Caring” was the perfect choice. In the movie, we are quickly introduced to a main character who goes by Ben. We learn early on, that Ben is in training to be a caregiver by going through a six-week course. Soon after Ben’s training, he is given his first possible assignment, which is working with an 18-year-old boy named Trevor who has been diagnosed with muscular dystrophy. During Ben’s interview, him and Trevor find a connection through their sarcasm and sense of humor and Ben is hired for the job. Ben decides to take Trevor on a week-long trip to see some amazing sights and have the time of his life. Throughout their journey together you learn that both Trevor and Ben have some deep issues that they need resolved in their hearts. I think it’s a beautiful movie, because in a way they both save each other and find purpose through their trials and hard times. Two other characters, Dot and Peaches tag along for an unforgettable adventure for all of the characters. Eventually Ben comes to peace with the fact that he lost his son 3 years earlier, and actually begins writing a book about Trevor. Trevor and Ben remain friends after Ben resigns from caregiving, and Trevor continues to live a more purposeful life, with Ben likely becoming a father figure in his life. (Trevor’s father left him and his mother when he was 3, because of the diagnosis)

One main reason I chose this movie was because I was interested to see the relationship between Ben and Trevor, and as a male, I thought maybe that I could relate in way to both of them on some level, but mostly with Ben being a male caregiver. While reading about the description, I sensed that both characters would be underdogs in some kind of manner. I love when underdogs help pull each other out of hard times. I was also interested to see how someone with muscular dystrophy functions on a daily basis.

As a future occupational therapist, I’m going to meet a lot of Trevor’s in my career. It was so awesome to see that he just wanted to be treated and talked to like a normal 18-year-old kid. Secondly, I love how realistic this movie was in relation to caregiving. Sometimes you have to get your hands dirty and wipe some bottoms. It seems like something gross and unimportant, but in reality, it can be humbling for both people involved. This movie also had an awesome scene in relation to universal design, and how as a society we should really do our best to design all places with everyone in mind.  I would highly recommend this move to all health care professionals and look forward to watching it again. Trust me, you’ll get plenty of laughs and tears.

References 

The Fundamentals of Caring (2016). (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2452386/

(Can be seen on Netflix) 

Neuro Note 4

Neuro-Note 4

“Device gives man with ALS ability to write novel, produce music”

                                                                                                                   

I decided to do this neuro-note on an article written about a man named Kip Jackson, and an assistive device that is allowing him to live life to the fullest, with his current diagnoses. Kip is now 44 years old, and was diagnosed with ALS in 2012. At this point, the only voluntary muscles that Kip has control of are his eyes. Thankfully for Kip, a device called “Tobii Dynavox I-15” has been created, and can be used by Kip to help him do meaningful activities, while also allowing him to help his wife out with grocery shopping. The device is embedded with eye tracking technology and can also be activated by touch. The device also allows for communication. Kip mentions that ordering groceries on Amazon through the advice seems like such a small task, but it gives him such a great feeling. Through doing that, he still feels like he is contributing to the family as a loving husband, and nothing beats that feeling. Kip has an amazing outlook on ALS, I love this quote from him, “I can die from ALS or live with it.” Such an amazing attitude to have! With help from the device, Kip has also been enabled to successfully write and produce music, with only his eyes! It’s always great to see another human accomplish their dreams despite their setbacks. Reading this article makes feel blessed just to be able to type this post out. I’m sure Kip would love to have his regular body back, but either way he’s going to make the most of his circumstances and live life to the fullest.

I chose this article for two main reasons. Number one, I love seeing underdogs do amazing things with their lives. I don’t believe life could be any harder for this man, but he still gets up every day with a purpose, and works with a passion that we should all strive to have. Number two, as a future occupational therapist I love when assistive technology and adaptive equipment is used to enable someone with a fatal disease, whereas nothing else could have. It’s kind of wild to think about, but ten years ago this probably would not have been possible. I believe this is only the beginning of the endless amounts of possibilities that innovative technology is going to be used for, to allow people fighting ALS and other fatal diseases to live life with meaning every single day. Kip might not physically be able to smile on the outside, but I believe he has a huge smile on the inside. I can’t wait to see what the future has instore for other people battling these awful diseases.

In reflection, I would love to gain as much education as possible in the field of assistive technology and adaptive equipment. I truly believe this is the future of occupational therapy, and I look forward to dedicating time and ideas towards this technology. We might not cure every disease, but we can restore meaning and purpose in all people. I would like to end this with one more quote from Kip. “ALS has taken away my ability to move and breathe but it cannot - I refuse to let it – touch my soul.”

References

Device gives man with ALS ability to write novel, produce music. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.foxnews.com/health/2016/06/17/device-gives-man-with-als-ability-to-write-novel-produce-music.html

Pat Summit Alzheimers (Katherine)

Pat Summit was the head basketball coach of the University of Tennessee and was diagnosed with alzheimers at the age of 59 and passed away 5 years later. Pat Summit also had rheumatoid arthritis, and the doctors thought that the RA "may" have lead to the Alzheimers, but more than likely was related to genetics. Pat Summit admits that she was in denial while in the early stages of the disease. Pat started a Alzheimers foundation while going through the ordeal. For occupational therapy Katherine suggested that therapy should be centered around caregiver education and increasing Pat's ability to be as functional as possible. Katherine also suggested apartment modifications, and resources to help Pat remember schedules and appointments. For long term goals, Pat wanted to perform upper and lower body dressing within 6 months. Katherine did a great job on meeting the goals of Pat Summit, and allowed Pat to live the meaningful life she desired until her passing.

Montel Williams Reflection

Montel Williams is a very interesting individual with a very inspirational story. Even though he struggles with pain and other symptoms that go along with MS, he still strives to be the best version of himself every day. Some of Montel's main goals are to continue his active lifestyle, while also being able to support his family in every aspect of life. As his therapist I understand his main struggles are pain management and depression. As a therapist I want Montel to be open about his feelings, and for his family to be as supportive as possible. For pain I would teach Montel techniques to keep him as pain free as possible. I think hydrotherapy would greatly benefit Montel, it would be easy on his joints, and relaxing to his lower leg pain. With these interventions I believe Montel will continue to live a productive life, and continue to chase his dreams.

Woodrow Wilson Huntington's Case Study!

Woodrow Wilson was a very interesting figure. He enjoyed writing, singing, and playing music. Wilson had a big influence on Bob Dylan. His main reason for OT referral was because of his hand coordination. It should also be noted that his mother was institutionalized, more than likely because of Huntington's disease. Huntington's disease is genetic and it makes sense that his mom had it. It was also noted that Woody sometimes could not recognize his erratic behavior. Woody would like to continue to sing, write, and play music. Woody would also like to have a stable home environment. Some goals for Woody would be to do exercise with Woody that will help him maintain his fine motor skills and coordination so that he can continue to play guitar, paint, write, and draw for as long as possible. Ellen did a great job on the presentation and presented appropriate intervention to give Woody the best life possible.

What is your main take away from this course?

Before taking this class, I thought I understood OT, but I really had so much to learn. This foundations course set the "foundation" for my education in occupational therapy and has given me the confidence to be a holistic practitioner. My main take away from this course is to meet clients where they are. My goal is to look at every aspect of the client, down to every little detail. There is not a set way to treat every client, but there is a set mindset and attitude that I can choose to display every single day of my career.

I would like to thank you Professor Lancaster for being an amazing teacher, and for being a true ambassador of the students. You have been one of the best teachers I have ever had, and I would love to emulate your teaching style in every aspect of my career, your attention to details made me push myself to be the best student I can be. I look forward to the continued knowledge I'm going to gain from you throughout my time at UTHSC.

PS-I really do love to blog now! (never thought I would say that in a million years)

Andy Griffith Case Study

Andy Griffith is a 57 year old male who has been diagnosed with Guillian-Barre syndrome. His roles before his diagnoses included, acting, singing, and writing. He was also a husband and a father. He loved to spend time with his family in friends. On the year he was diagnosed he was suffering from an intense case of the flu. He was referred to OT with symptoms of muscular weakness, pain, and bouts of paralysis in both his legs and feet. Andy's primary goals were to return to acting and to land at least three jobs, and to be able to perform for at least 10 more years. His secondary goals were to manage feelings related to his diagnoses, and to work on leg muscle strength. Alexa did a great job of presenting the client's issues, and has a well rounded plan to give Andy the outcomes he desires.

Ulla Carin Case Study Group 5

ALS is a very annoying disease, and continues to effect the lives of many. Ulla Carin had an amazing life, and was a very intelligent women. She was diagnosed with ALS at the age of 49, and passed away at the age of 50. With accommodations, Ulla began to write a book about her journey with ALS, and actually finished the book before she passed away. I look forward to reading the book one day. I enjoyed how Lauren went over the roles of OT with Ulla, and looked to meet the needs of the client. Every patient is different and will require different needs, but my biggest take away is to keep the client as comfortable as possible. If I have have the privilege of working with an ALS client, I will make sure the client and family knows that I truly care about them, and that we are going on this journey together. I will do my best to keep a smile on my client's face!

Neuro Note 3 "Muhammad Ali"

“Attitude is Everything”

For this neuro-note I wanted to a look at the life of boxing legend Muhammad Ali, and some pointers his daughter gave to people who have family members battling Parkinson’s disease, in a special article she was interviewed in. A major reason I chose this topic, was because of the respect I have always had for Ali, and the awesome things he did in his career as a boxer. It’s always a strange feeling to see someone as legendary as Ali be diagnosed with an incurable disease. I mentioned that I admire what he did in the boxing, but I have even more admiration for what he did after his diagnoses in 1984. Ali lived life to the best of his ability, and had a huge impact on Parkinson’s research. In the article that Ali’s daughter gave insight to her father’s life after Parkinson’s, she gave some very good information on how we should treat loved ones battling this annoying disease. One of the biggest things she mentioned was being proactive. Don’t just let your loved one sit around and be depressed, get them outside and encourage them to enjoy hobbies that they are still able to do. She also mentions the importance of “gang prevention”, and how the entire family should understand the disease. The better the family understands it, the better they can meet the needs of their loved one. Ali’s daughter also stressed the importance of understanding that the diagnosis does not mean that your life is over by any stretch of the imagination. There will be some adjustments and accommodations needed, but the loved one is still capable of living a great life. Lastly Ali’s daughter talked about the importance of keeping a low stress system for her dad, basically she summed everything up with this quote, “treat him like he’s regular, be regular with him, it lifts the spirits up.”

In reflection, I believe everything Ali’s daughter brought up was very important information for family members to think about, when someone they love is dealing with any kind of disease, not just Parkinson’s. As a future OT, I’m going to have the opportunity to educate family members on how their outlook should be when caring for their loved ones after a new diagnosis.  Family members might be surprised how quickly life can change from one diagnosis, and how they feel like they’re being thrown into a very stressful situation that they didn’t sign up for. In a very positive and understanding manner, I’m going to do my best to explain that “Attitude is Everything”. As Ali’s daughter stated, “life does not end after one diagnoses.” I understand that every situation is different, and that dealing with this change is a lot easier said than done. I will always do my best to show the client and their caregiver that I will do everything in my power to help/educate them on how to make the most their new life, and that they always have my support and knowledge. Life is going to be what they decide to make of it, every day they have a choice to be positive or negative. My goal is to always influence them in the positive direction.

*Title of Article:

Muhammad Ali's Eldest Daughter Shares Memories of Her Dad and Hope for Those with Parkinson's: 'Attitude Is Everything'

References 

Herbst, D. (2016, August 25). Muhammad Ali’s Eldest Daughter Maryum Shares Memories. Retrieved 

from http://people.com/celebrity/muhammad-alis-eldest-daughter-maryum-shares-memories/