Complacency

Currently on my Neuro placement and am treating a pt with a Left TACS, rather than specific lobes damaged this pt unfortunately has wiped out the entire left hemisphere, cortically and subcortically as revealed by CT scans. Dx is still being investigated however it is believed the stroke may have been due to a vasculitis. Some of my treatment to date has consisted of respiratory care, passive movements, muscles stretches, positioning, perceptual anchoring and attentional strategies, sensory facilitation, bed mobility exercises, balance and postural strategies in sitting. During the time spent with the pt they have made some really good progress, however recently the more literature I have read and listening to doctors and specialist neuro nurses, I have almost become resigned to the fact that the pt will more than likely never be able to function independently again. To be honest my treatment has reflected these views, so I guess I have become complacent. However that was until last week when one of my supervisors joined in in one of my sessions and could actually feel voluntary muscle activation on their hemiplegic side! I am not sure it was Lorenzo's oil she poured on the pt but I actually felt something too. Since the last few days my complacency has been replaced by a renewed hope. On Friday I sat in with one of the Speech Therapists and the pt literally fed themself for the first time since the stroke! Very exciting. I will keep you all updated with their progress.