Bound to Crutches Reflection Paper After spending 48 hours on crutches, I have gained an understanding of the physical and mental well-being of my prospective patients. While I had not anticipated my days to look normal, I was surprised by the consistent inconveniences inflicted upon me. From the most complex to the most simple of tasks, the entirety of my day was dependent on my proficiency with my crutches. Prior to completing my 48-hours on crutches, I decided that I would be partial weight bearing on my injured extremity, my right leg, and would utilize a 2-point gait pattern. My first 24-hours on crutches were undemanding. I woke around 6 a.m. and spent the following 2 hours waking up and preparing for school. Immediately, getting to the …show more content…
The first complex task I faced was removing the staircase from my apartment complex. As the process was not yet automatic, it took me some time to get down the stairs and to my car. The first two hours of my day were spent in class, but not without the obstacle of getting through doors. I knew from the first 4 hours that this would be one of the most inconvenient barriers for me. The remainder of my day went by quickly as all I had to do was ambulate between classes. Occasionally, I would take restroom breaks where my mobility was challenged getting into and out of the stalls. Because my classmates were aware of the assignment, they assisted me with doorways and holding objects when necessary. Returning to my apartment was easier than leaving, as I felt more comfortable ascending the stairs. The most unusual part of my day was skipping the gym. While I knew I could find my way around the YMCA on crutches, I decided not to risk my safety. Additionally, I found myself worried about the ways that I might impede those around me. The remainder of my night was spent working on assignments, reading, and going to …show more content…
Regardless, my morning went the same as that of the previous day and I made my way to my first class. Once more, despite being a simple task, opening doors proved to be the most irritating aspect of getting to my destination. My cohort continued to assist me in any way possible by transporting my materials when necessary and offering help. After the school day had ended, I decided to make a public outing to one of my favorite local coffee shops. Despite the prep-talk I had given myself in the car before entering, I was immediately uncomfortable as I walked through the door. Various customers looked in my direction and I was suddenly conscious of how loud it was when my crutches touched the floor. The process of ordering went as smoothly as normally and the barista almost seemed kinder. I was offered help when I received my order, which I accepted as I made my way towards a distant table. Afterwards, I returned home and remained there for the rest of the day. My speed of ambulation was not heavily impacted by the use of crutches. My days were completed at a normal
“Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it,” says Charles R. Swindoll. This statement, although seemingly inaccurate, is brought to life by the testimony of Nancy Mairs. After being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Mairs had every reason to give up on life, but in “On Being a Cripple” she shows her audience that pushing forward was worth the challenge. Her life as a cripple isn’t easy, but through her writing, Mairs hopes to explain and create awareness about her life living with MS. Through her personal experience and positive attitude, Mairs shows her audience that not only is she a source that others can trust but that life is exactly what you make it, no matter what cards you are dealt.
One of my most difficult experiences has been going through school with an invisible disability. I was born with Bladder Exstrophy, a rare birth defect where the bladder and associated structures are improperly formed. I have endured fourteen surgeries to make my life as “normal” as possible. Despite this, as a young child, I decided to not let this condition define me or keep me from doing anything I wanted. Since first grade, I have had to catheterize every two hours, even during school. I’ve been responsible for making sure my supplies are stocked, remembering to go to the nurse’s office to cath myself every two hours, irrigating my bladder nightly and taking medication on time when prescribed.
The interpreting stage of Tanner’s Clinical Judgment helps nurses give meaning to a specific patient’s situation (Jambunathan, J., Lancaster, R. J. & Westphal, J., 2015). This scenario allowed me to interpret the everyday struggles that may be faced by those who are paralyzed and how these people must thereby adapt their lifestyle as a result. In Brandon’s case, I tried to interpret what it would be like if I was not able to use my legs and what safe measures would need to be used while providing care. I came to the understanding that I would have to increasingly rely on my family for help with aspects such as getting around my home and I would not be able to participate in many of my favorite past times. Many aspects including the SP, my lab instructor, and my partner brought about my personal understanding and interpretation of Brandon’s scenario, in addition to allowing me to better my
The rehabilitation staff welcomed me into their facility and allowed me the opportunity to expand my overall knowledge of injury rehabilitation and patient care. The therapists made sure that I knew exactly what illness was occurring in each patient physically and how their proposed course of treatment would affect the patient in the long run. The best part about the entire experience was the interaction with patients, this allowed me the opportunity to receive first-hand experience in patient care and bedside manner. Prior to this observation opportunity, I failed to realize just how rewarding this profession could be. Being able to work with the patients is a gift and I do believe that this enriching opportunity was highly effective in providing a realistic professional experience.
After reading the story, “On being a cripple”, Mairs is boasting on the fact of being a cripple. She writes, “As a cripple, I swagger.” Swagger in my opinion is being confident. She is letting people know that she is a cripple with confidence. Many people will think of being a cripple as a disadvantage but she has a reason to boast about it because she has her family to support her and is still able to do many things and raise awareness of her MS. In the last paragraph she tells her friend how she rather is glad she has MS because she realized she can handle it.
The passage of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was a positive step in helping those living with disabilities but it in no way cures the suffering they face everyday. While the ADA made discrimination against the disabled illegal, it has not been able to fix everything the disabled have to go through or feel. There are still lots of issues that are there for those with disabilities. Nancy Mairs is one of those people as she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis at 28 years old. In her essay “On Being a Cripple”, she writes, “People- crippled or not- wince at the world “cripple”... Perhaps I want them to wince. I want them to see me as a tough customer… who can face the brutal truth of existence squarely.” The choice of cripple over “disabled”
For as long as I can remember I have set high goals for myself regarding my future, my friendships, and my education. Entering college with these standards I knew that I wouldn’t settle for less than my best, and I would strive to amaze myself at my success. One thing I never fit into my planned path of achievement was any type of struggle, or obstacle that could alter the way I have thought for so long. The first month of college I fell upon an obstacle I never could have imagined. I suffered a knee injury and missed continuous classes following the accident as well as surgery that was necessary to my recovery. These things tested my strength as a person, but also as a student. It made everything a little more complicated, even the little things like getting out of bed in the morning. I pushed myself to see the end of the tunnel I felt seemed impossible to crawl out of. Many things helped me along the way, and just as I hadn’t imagined my accident, I couldn’t have imagined the support I found everywhere around me. I know that I can overcome obstacles in the future now because of my determination for success and the use of helpful resources all around me.
There are many psychological and physical changes after an amputation. Body and mind have suffered changes and must adapt to the unexpected challenges. Some of the psychological effects that can be observed on an amputee are denial of the situation, anger, depression, factors like this can affect anyone without a prosthetic, nonetheless an amputee. Furthermore, this patient was active prior to the first failed surgery of TKA, which leaded to the amputation. The physical condition of the patient might have been compromised after two surgeries. Additionally, it can be assumed the patient is deconditioned and lacks endurance. The patient might know of his physical limitations and this creates a safe point of self awareness when ambulating and
My good friend Sydney's alarm goes off at 10:15 AM and she wakes in her dorm room at West A Living Center and knows that she has to get ready for her class at 11:00 in Lake Superior Hall. She has learned that it only takes her approximately fifth-teen minutes to get ready in her room, as long as her roommate, Jennifer, was already gone to her classes, since she always takes the longest to get ready. After Sydney leaves her dorm room, she heads to the Lobby Shop in Kirkhof to grab a snack since she will not be eating until later in the afternoon. Once Sydney finishes eating, she walks to LSH and sits outside her Psych 101 class waiting to talk with her fellow Psych classmate and best friend, Mackenzie, until class starts. Sydney's dorm-life experience is different from that of a commuter student such as myself. However, in the long run during the college years the adventures of both commuters and dorm students ...
This publication was printed with the generous support of the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research
Throughout my high school education I have been faced with several challenges and rather than letting the weight and responsibility of my life crush me I endured and completed my task. When my father was gunned down over winter break my freshman year of highschool I did not let the struggle of managing my grief along with my studies stop me from passing any of my classes. When the next year my mother was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer though i did stumble I did not allow myself to be overwhelmed by the situation. I managed a precarious balance between school and home but balance them I did. When the
Even though I had much support from friends and family, my biggest obstacle in the Medical Assistant program was proving to myself what I can achieve. The homework was a big challenge for me because it felt overwhelming at times. It was a lot to pack into such a short amount of time.
From physical therapy sessions to adhering to a strict rehabilitation regimen, I poured every ounce of my being into healing my injured foot. There were moments of doubt and pain, where the road ahead seemed insurmountable. But with unwavering support from my family and friends, I pressed on, refusing to let adversity dictate my
Situations of a child born with a deformity which makes walking difficult, a veteran suffering to walk with a prosthetic leg, and an athlete eager to get back on the field, share a similar need of physical therapy. The field of physical therapy inspires me because of the unlimited potential to reach out to improve life and to guide those to reach the maximum rehab potential. Humble
After the trauma she had endured, she no longer had sensation in her hands. Nevertheless, I could tell exactly how she was feeling by the look on her face. Seeing the doctors working so assiduously to ensure her speedy recovery served as an incredibly inspiring moments for me, as I am pursuing a career as a Physician’s Assistant. This summer, I have had the fortunate opportunity to shadow and work under the esteemed Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Steven Kane, of WellStar Hospital at the Atlanta Medical Center for almost 150 total hours. Under Dr. Kane, I have the satisfaction of meeting patients during his clinic hours as well as observing surgeries and volunteering. Once a week, Dr. Kane meets clients who are either homeless or uninsured to aid those