Let's Go for a Walk

this might sound horrible, terrible, inhumane, and like "what, this is our future of health care?" but hear me out...
Walking a patient is like walking a dog.
There it is, now to defend the previous statement. The parallel exists in that they seem to have instincts...always trying to go before you're ready or not wanting to move when you say okay. Both scenarios require constant reminders to stay safe. For example, the dogs need to be reminded to stop before you cross the street, don't lunge for the bigger dog we pass by, etc. The humans need to be reminded to push from the chair, reach for the walker, stand up straight, no, you can't put all your weight through the leg that has a fractured hip. I mean, really are we asking too much? Am I too demanding? Granted it sounds easier to walk a dog at this point, but if the dog were elderly and generally debilitated and suffering from either a fractured hip, CVA, or something of the like, fear of falling, decreased strength, ROM, endurance, hearing, sight, the list goes on, then I would venture to say we would just pick the dog up and carry it.
Trust me, I am torn. Part of me says, you gotta be kidding me these elderly people have been through enough, can't we just let them sleep in the recliner if it is more comfortable for them. Can't they pretty much do what they want? I mean they've made it this far; let's reward them for all the years of hard work, all the years of putting up with the crap of this world! Let them sit there and look all cute, don't make them get up and walk.

Then my better judgement kicks in and my highly trained mind overtakes the soft heart and I see with a new set of eyes. These eyes see potential! Think of how far they can progress; they do not need to regress any more. I want to improve that sitting and standing posture so they can function better and be more independent no matter if they are headed for the nursing home, a family member's house, or eventually back to living alone and taking care of themselves. Therefore, no, she shouldn't sleep in a recliner! Yes, we have to get up and walk and we're gonna do it again later. You better believe we are going to do ankle pumps, quad sets, glut squeezes, heel slides, and all those other lame-o exercises b/c they actually are challenging for you (amazes me that they are, but the fact that the weight of your own leg is enough to wear you out...) and we're gonna do them everyday twice a day.

So, I decide that at the end of the day when I've walked the patients and the dogs I am thankful for them both.
I enjoy the human personalities I get to see and interact with daily. I know even though this one can't express what he's thinking...I know he's wiley and I can tell when it's a rough day b/c the laughs aren't there, the eyes tell it all. And she is a strong willed one and knows enough medical terminology from all her doctors and therapists over the years to put a first year PT student to shame, but she needs encouragement too, she needs to be challenged. This other lady is sharp, she is a social bug for sure, her Red Hat Society blanket is proof enough of that and she remembered my name from day one and is always sure to tell me good morning. I like her.

Then back on the new homestead, when the roommates MIA for the day the dogs are a welcome friend to tell about the day. Slider is a great listener, all you have to do is scratch away and he'll stay close. Riley tries to act all big a tough, but after a while he wants a good pet-down too and will lean in for a good 2 minutes before getting distracted by the multiple holes in the back yard that need to be dug. Really, what do you smell down there? Does that grass really taste good?

In light of this I have decided for sure once I'm able, once I'm practicing on my own; I need a dog. A therapy dog, doesn't even have to be for anyone elses therapy other than my own, but it would be cool to raise a dog to use for therapy as well. A furry friend to come home to and then share with others who could use that sensory input, that companionship, unconditional love...oh yes, God knew what He was doing when he created dogs.

Ahh...the rain has stopped, the clouds persist, but for now anyway the drops have ceased. I think the dogs need a jog tonight, or maybe I do, either way we will get along good I have a feeling:)

Clinical Sendoff Fresh Princess of Martin Hall Style

As per request here are the lyrics to the latest :) You know what tune you need to hum in your head so do a run through first, then enjoy and picture me in my big yellow puffy vest. ;)

In south Indianapolis born and raised
In Martin hall is where we spend most our days
Assistin’ out max and ataxin’ all cool and playing some 9 square outside of the school
When a couple of profs who were up to no good
Starting holding practicals in my neighborhood
I forgot one lil gait belt and dropped a GA
She said, “You’re heading out to the clinic today?!”

I ran to the lab and when I got there I saw Renee doing Trendelenburg and boy I got scared
If anything I could say that this gal is weird but I thought ah forget it I’m off to Clinicals

I pulled up to the hospital at half past 8 and yelled to my CI, “Yo, where the scrubs at?”
Looked at the equipment, I was finally there
And I thought O snap, what’d I learn in Neuro?

Milk and Cookies

*in case you needed help with the mental image

It's all about the milk and cookies. First, take the cold refreshing glass of skim milk. Second, dump in the pack of mini size oreos prepackaged for delight. Third, let em soak (as we speak), smush em up a bit, and whala! What do you get? A treat that makes me salivate just thinking about it, a smashing great taste that was made for my tastebuds to shout about, a drink that ya gotta get the spoon out for so you can scoop up the cream filling from the bottom and then get your nose dirty as you try to lick out the cup b/c you want don't want to waste a drop. Get the picture? It's good stuff.

Like I said, it's all about the milk and cookies. Not sure this has any deep theological philosophical meaning that is easily attached, but you can bet I'm going to do my best to attach one;)

You see, the milk is like us...oh sorry, time-out for consumption of oreo milk...ah...yes, I licked out the mug. Too bad we don't have tongues like cows...their tongues are amazing, they can lick their own nose, not just the nose part, but actually inside the nostil, on both sides...if you haven't witnessed this man are you missing out!

But yes, we are like milk, pure, white, after we have been forgiven by Jesus for our sins...and okay, I'm done. Not gonna pull that one together.

Let's just chat. Things I'm sick of...I'm sick of playing phone tag with my friends that live in different states. I'm frustrated b/c sometimes it'd be nice to see a smile, a tear, a kidding face instead of trying to hear it over the phone lines. I'd like to feel the hug, the hand, the arm, the new hair style instead of...not. I'm a very tactile person. If this past year of school has taught me nothing else it has taught me this: I like touch. We are beings of touch. Some like it more than others, some prefer this or that. People associate different things with it, frankly it's all true b/c that's how that person percieves it, it's valid b/c that's how they feel about it. Personally, when I meet my patient or greet my friend unless I can feel how they're doing I'm missing something. Justsam was right when he said our hands can tell us a whole list of things when we simply grab a shoulder...and they think we're just being nice, ha!

I think it's amazing, this phenomenon of touch. I revel in the mind, the creativity of our Creator. I mean, He got it b/c He created us this way. Jesus experienced it, He got it b/c He touched the untouchable. He let the children sit on his lap and play with Him when there were probably more "important" things to be done. He washed the feet of those who entered to dine with His party. (If you have never experienced a footwashing ceremony, do it, create your own with those who you wish to serve. You will be humbled, grateful, undeserving, unwilling even, and you will never be the same.) He touched the disabled (another taboo thing back then, they were the sinners, the outcasts, the scum of society); He gave what others were unwilling to give. He gets it; He knows what we need. He has provided for me when I need the input through my pacinian corpuscles and Mercles discs (a little anatomy terminology for ya;) He has hugged me through a stranger at church. He has come up and massaged my shoulders when they needed it most. He has provided and He continues to fulfill that b/c He understands b/c He created me this way and I'm thankful for it.

Kinda like I'm thankful for milk and cookies. ah yeah, brought it back around. The circle is complete!:)

Next time you get the craving and I'm around, just yell "HUG ATTACK" and I'll take care of the rest.

*Can you tell I have a final tomorrow?? yeah, funny how this happens around those parts of the semester...

Until next time, try that oreo milk and let me know howw it goes

Once Again

Once again i sit and reflect on how God has gotten me here. I realize I can do nothing on my own. I sit and dread the day ahead, knowing the only way I will get through it with a shread of joy, energy, and light of life is if He provides. That's a humbling experience; that's where I sit back and scratch my head at how people survive if they do not have the personal relationship with Jesus. On these days when I would love to sleep more, take a 'personal day' (if such a thing was even an option I might be tempted to do a cartwheel right now), or just semi shut down, I marvel at how others get through it b/c I know I lean wholy on His strength. I ask, He provides, thank you Jesus.
Reading this morning...Phil 1:6 There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears. (message)
what an encouragement, what a Word from the Father on this day for me.
Then I read ahead of it the start of the book...Every time you cross my mind, I break out in exclamations of thanks to God. Each exclamation is a trigger to prayer. I find myself praying for you with a glad heart (ooo, stop right there, how many times and opportunities have I missed these last few days to take a break, a mini time out and pray when someone, anyone, one of you crosses my mind...??). I am so pleased that you have continued on in this with us, believing and proclaiming God's Message, from the day you heard it right up to the present. (then to the previous part about no doubt in mind that God will finish His work)
a few verses later: So this is my prayer: that your love will flourish and that you will not only love much but well. Learn to love appropriately. You need to use your head and test your feelings so that your love is sincere and intelligent, not sentimental gush. Live a lover's life, circumspect and exemplary, a life Jesus will be proud of : bountiful in fruits from the soul, making Jesus Christ attractive to all, getting everyone involved in the glory and praise of God.
and that is my prayer for each of you today as He brings you to my mind with Joy:)
and I am feeling ready to get out there and praise Him on this day! woohooo for Jesus, for His Strength!!