The small things went well this weekend. Kathy had a good mix of friends and family visiting and ramped up her emotions accordingly. She did better at smiling, winking, hand motions and being aware of her visitors. A few hours in the sun, you could see Kathy enjoying every moment. You can really see her communication feedback revolves around her emotional feelings at the time of contact.
On Monday morning the doctors moved her feeding tube from her nose to her stomach. Kathy looks beautiful as ever, without that damm tube in her nose. She was drowsy this afternoon and her rehabilitation people let her rest. She’s rearing to go tomorrow!
At times, it’s frustrating visiting Kathy because she shows such little interest in her visitors. I have asked the doctors why she acts this way and they suggested some reading material to help me out.
“What the Patient May Be Feeling”
“Perhaps the most disturbing to survivors who have sustained a brain injury is the loss of identity. Many of us take for granted the things with which we identify ourselves; our job, our relationships and roles. Imagine all of a sudden not being able to go to work, drive a car, cook a meal, play a game, help your children, go for a walk or even hug your family. Not only that, but you require assistance from others for even the most basic skills. Brain-injury survivors must come to terms with the new limitations, new roles, new sense of who they are, and where the fit it. The person she knew before the injury has been replaced by someone who is, in essence, a stranger. This can be more difficult to deal with than the physical limitations.
Many times, an individual who has suffered a brain injury will experience feelings that others would consider natural, such as frustration, disappointment and depression. However, injured individuals may also experience feelings that come as a surprise to family members and loved ones. Without the ability to care for herself, the patient may begin to feel useless and helpless. Having to rely on someone else to take care of one’s basic needs can make the patient feel like a burden, no matter how good the caregiver is at assuring the patient she isn’t.
One of the issues that brain-injury survivors frequently encounter is that they do not appear physically disabled. In fact, their disability may be solely cognitive in nature. Without the physical reminders, others may not be aware of the patient’s limitations and can act intolerant, causing the patient further embarrassment and frustration.
The patient may or may not express these feelings. Putting yourself in her shoes, and putting inside aside your own issues and wants, will help you really understand what the patients needs.”
On Monday morning the doctors moved her feeding tube from her nose to her stomach. Kathy looks beautiful as ever, without that damm tube in her nose. She was drowsy this afternoon and her rehabilitation people let her rest. She’s rearing to go tomorrow!
At times, it’s frustrating visiting Kathy because she shows such little interest in her visitors. I have asked the doctors why she acts this way and they suggested some reading material to help me out.
“What the Patient May Be Feeling”
“Perhaps the most disturbing to survivors who have sustained a brain injury is the loss of identity. Many of us take for granted the things with which we identify ourselves; our job, our relationships and roles. Imagine all of a sudden not being able to go to work, drive a car, cook a meal, play a game, help your children, go for a walk or even hug your family. Not only that, but you require assistance from others for even the most basic skills. Brain-injury survivors must come to terms with the new limitations, new roles, new sense of who they are, and where the fit it. The person she knew before the injury has been replaced by someone who is, in essence, a stranger. This can be more difficult to deal with than the physical limitations.
Many times, an individual who has suffered a brain injury will experience feelings that others would consider natural, such as frustration, disappointment and depression. However, injured individuals may also experience feelings that come as a surprise to family members and loved ones. Without the ability to care for herself, the patient may begin to feel useless and helpless. Having to rely on someone else to take care of one’s basic needs can make the patient feel like a burden, no matter how good the caregiver is at assuring the patient she isn’t.
One of the issues that brain-injury survivors frequently encounter is that they do not appear physically disabled. In fact, their disability may be solely cognitive in nature. Without the physical reminders, others may not be aware of the patient’s limitations and can act intolerant, causing the patient further embarrassment and frustration.
The patient may or may not express these feelings. Putting yourself in her shoes, and putting inside aside your own issues and wants, will help you really understand what the patients needs.”
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