good days, bad days

so sometimes i leave work thinking, do i really want to do this for the rest of my life? and i come to the realization that well i probably (hopefully) will not since my ideal future profession is to be a mother and a wife. however, despite those days (which i think are very common), i have really terrific days where i feel like i am an all-star OT making a difference and really reaching out to help those in need. friday was somewhat one of those days.

i think for me it really makes a difference if i am able to connect with the patients i work with and if i am able to encourage them to work hard in therapy and to enable them to make great gains in areas that are meaningful and important to them in order for them to get home. here are some highlights of my friday- that might just be meaningful to me:

i sat and chatted with this middle aged woman with a recent below knee amputation (bka) as a result of peripheral vascular disease in her foot. i worked with her once 3 or 4 weeks ago before she had the surgery and this was to be her second amputation as she had the same surgery done to her other foot years prior. the lady was adorable, funny, and a big tease. we had a good time. in addition to her bka, she has a stomach issue that prevents a lot of function and mobility as when she begins to move she experiences severe pain in her abdomen. within the weeks that lapsed since her second bka surgery she has become increasingly depressed. i went in again to see her (as she wasn't my patient, but i was covering for another patient) and it was a complete turn-around from the gal i worked with prior to surgery. she has become severely depressed. she even stated: I AM DEPRESSED, nothing makes me happy anymore. this was devastating to listen to as she continued to make other similar statements such as "what is happening to me" while choking back tears. this was going on in the midst of us trying to do theraband arm exercises in bed. WHAT AM I TO DO? it was at this moment that i was able to really see her perspective. a fun, jovial woman with a close family at home is currently surrendering to the hospital bed unable to live her life in the manner she has in the past and unable to answer many of her important questions. i challenged her to think of one thing that she could do to take her mind of her troubles. she suggested walking... well, that is impossible as of current and she does not have prosthesis in the near future. i asked about music to listen to during the day- she said no. this was very hard for me. i wanted nothing more than to take away her pain and make her whole. it was the first time i have experienced true depression in the physical rehabilitation setting. i only hope that i will become more experienced and better able to attend to the needs of future patients in this situation.

my second patient was an 92 year old man with a hip fracture who swears by olive oil and organic foods as his source of good health and longevity. i never knew a daily shot of olive oil could be so beneficial. i enjoyed this gentleman immensely. i think the true joy of this treatment session came by the simple cordial interaction we enjoyed with each other.

my third patient has made such gains in his therapy since admission and is 82 years old. he attempted to convince me that he was getting old and weak. lucky for him i had just worked with my 92 year old friend and i refused to accept his attitude. i am not sure how successful i was at convincing him of his strength and progress in therapy. we worked hard during therapy and he did well, despite major fears of falling and decreased self confidence in his abilities.

well, that is it for now that i can remember anyhow... in addition to the therapist-client relationships that bring me joy, a good work day also erupts from increased self confidence in my work competence and when i have my A-game on. although some people would believe that part time or summer jobs i have had as a young adult such as waitressing and retail would not be beneficial to my future profession, i can see the work ethic i have gained in past jobs holding true as i work today. i love working and keeping busy. well, as far as now anyway--- and i love OT. i think it is quite marvy (my word of the week) that i chose a profession (or did it choose me) that will enable me to work around having a family to take care of (I WELCOME THE DAY!)