Guts and Gore!

Kristy and I were able to sit in on theatre today to watch some surgeries take place. This was such a great experience and one I hope to have again. While they weren't relevant specifically to our placement, it still gave us great exposure to what exactly happens in theatre, and justifies why at times the patients feel so poorly post op - and are not keen for physio! 

A particular patient today had her physio session for the second time. The management of her presentation has probably been the most complicated to date. With comorbidities, an endless list of medications and the psychosocial influence on her recovery, this all came to the fore today in my mind. I found myself treating this patient a little differently to others. She presents as being grossly overweight, de-conditioned, with poor personal hygiene and a character that (with respect) is not that likeable. Half way through the session I realised that while still treating the patient appropriately physically and verbally - in my mind I had judged her. I could not get out of my head how bad this woman had become in terms of her health. I found it extremely challenging to treat her with (to put it politely) her body odour, matted and greased up hair, conjunctivits eyes, and a general disregard for basic personal hygiene. On a couple of occassions I was overwhelmed by her smell and had to physically stand back a moment. This sounds terrible and  disrespetful, and I know that, though this is how she presented. What I did manage to do mid treatment was put back the perhaps indifferent thoughts of how this lady became to be in such a state, and aimed to have a successful treatment with her. She returned to her room in an improved state physically and mentally. Prior to her session she reported of not wanting to do rehab and felt tired. Post treatment she felt less stiff for having had her treatment and legs massaged and I believe felt better emotionally also as she actually said thanks! My take home message is of course (and one I'm sure we'd like to think we dont do) dont judge someone on how they are at this point in time (or at all), and always treat a patient to the best of your ability. Even if it does take latex gloves, a gas mask and aquigel!!!