Stronger

I do not know how most people deal with running on motivation fumes or feeling, (sort of), sad in general. My secret is: getting some rest and watching something inspiring. I needed that combination today, so I decided to take it easy and watch the movie with Jake Gyllenhaal called “Stronger”. It is based on a true story about one of the survivors from the Boston Marathon bombing. Jeff Bauman was one of the 16 out of 243 victims, who was so severely injured he had to have two above the knee amputations. The plot did a fantastic job portraying how challenging it is to deal with such a sudden and unexpected tragedy, not just for the affected person themselves but for everyone involved.

I guess I have started to see the world through my ‘OT glasses’ more and more lately, especially when watching movies about overcoming physical obstacles. It was interesting to relate everything we learned in class; from the process of first aid on the scene, to acute care, to rehabilitation, and back to home. I watched for correct posture during patient transfers, assistive devices and even wound healing. Even though they did not necessarily show occupational therapy I considered what our role would be. For example, ensuring the environment is adapted for client to be able to get around – building a ramp up the stairs, making sure the toilet paper is close to the toilet, not moving the wheelchair so person can reach it when they get up etc. Simple things that when combined make a big impact to the recovery process.

Educating the client and family about expectations and healing process was a significant factor that affected Jeff’s internal struggle. At one point in the movie the PTs are lecturing him about how even though he had three sessions scheduled this week, he has only been to one and not ready to put in hard work (he was hungover). Jeff did not try to make excuses or blame it on other people. Although, I thought he should have. I guess this just goes to confirm that we should always ask questions and try to be as understanding as possible because we never know what the situation is. Healing is also an emotional process, and sometimes re-establishing one’s self-worth is just as challenging as dealing with the physical aspect of recovery.

     Apart from the OT related features of the movie, the story itself was very interesting. I read more about the real Jeff and his now wife Erin, and how they have continued to live life to the fullest. Their refusal to be broken has inspired and helped with coping for many others who have lost loved ones in war related accidents. Being as public as Jeff was about his accident and recovery put a lot of pressure on him to be strong, however, it also gave him a chance to be someone who people looked up to. It’s hard to make yourself vulnerable to the world but sometimes we forget the other side, when you need support – you have the whole world behind you.

     These are some pictures of the Jeff and Erin Bauman, and Jeff carrying the American flag at the for the Bruins. I strongly recommend this movie, if anyone is interested in watching it. It is on Netflix. Here is the trailer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6MN0QfQx7I

 

https://www.google.com/search?q=jeff+bauman+married&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiDyK32oLzbAhU2JDQIHaE-AQYQ_AUICygC&biw=852&bih=723#imgrc=N21uTK3c_JIJbM:

https://www.google.com/search?biw=852&bih=723&tbm=isch&sa=1&ei=Q2IWW97eAdW60PEPpOKPuAU&q=jeff+bauman+flag&oq=jeff+bauman+fl&gs_l=img.3.0.0i30k1j0i8i30k1l2.12412.12791.0.14646.3.3.0.0.0.0.114.325.0j3.3.0....0...1c.1.64.img..0.3.324...0j0i67k1.0.tR3yO6L56Ys#imgrc=CzlvgJygPZnEgM:

Coffee Can à Portable Container

 

The most meaningful thing I gained from this assignment was how one very simple thing can have many applications and be used for multiple stages of an OT intervention. At first, I was really stumped on how to use a coffee can for the client-centered intervention with my specific client, (Susan). I kept thinking it needed to be an amazing and complex invention, when I reality - simplicity was the key. The portable container I came up with works because it can be used for canes, walker, and wheelchairs. The attachment for the mobility aid is adaptable so it can be both horizontal and vertical. Because of the changeability, the container can be used to implement all of the Ps in the principles for conserving energy (plan, prioritize, pace, and position). It is amazing such a cheap, home-made project can really make an impact on people.

The first thing that comes to mind that I learned by doing this assignment is that I solidified my knowledge of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and the OT role during each stage of the disease. It also helped me think on my feet in an OT perspective. I was informed that the client had an electric wheelchair on the way, however, I needed to find a quick and cheap way to optimize occupational performance until the shipment arrived. Since my client did not have any adaptive equipment, (except the quad cane), I looked up options that could address her current symptoms. This essentially lead me to improve on my “thinking out of the box” when it comes to everyday household items and how they can be transformed into tools.

In the process of completing this assignment I trained my brain how to think “OT style”. This project prepared me to combine the information we learn in class with my personal ideas I will one day use in a clinical setting. Because this was one of the first occasions we have been given a patient scenario and asked what steps we would take to help the client, it feels like the most drastic step yet to reshaping the way I approach solving problems.