Remember the patient not just the treatment

Hi everyone,
I am finding it a little tough to write a blog this week as nothing really stands out from my last wk of neuro placement. From a review perspective, I suppose I have walked away from this placement thinking that while we have patients that have serious injuries to their brain, many of them are still the same person that now just has the frustration of not being able to do or say want they want. One person who comes to mind is a patient I treated who suffered a pontine stroke resulting in locked in syndrome. This patient was in their late 20’s when this occurred and it just is impossible to imagine what she must go through not being able to move or speak, yet having full cognitive function. This patient is very lucky as she has an unbelievably supportive network of family and carers that ensure she is still able to do things like going to the movies but also have access to lots of treatment. Seeing patients like this not only makes you want to be there to help them as best you can but also reminds you how lucky you are to be healthy and able to put your shoes on or lift your arm or even speak when you want to.

So sorry for getting all sentimental but I think I have learnt to have an even greater understanding of some of what our patients may go through and the frustrations that they constantly deal with many days of the week.