While on my paeds placement, I’ve come across a highly effective and motivational method of inspiring paediatric cancer survivors. A patient I’ve been seeing (mostly with my supervisor) was day 10 post complete hip disarticulation amputation that had to be done as a result of osteosarcoma in the patient’s proximal femur. The patient was a nine year old girl who had been discharged from the ward about 4 days earlier and had come back in to outpatient physio to get a HEP to work on. The physio (my supervisor) had found out a few days earlier that a well known paralympian was currently in Perth for a training camp prior to heading to Beijing to compete in cycling at the Paralympic Games. So she arranged for the athlete to come in and visit our patient.
It turned out that this athlete had had the same cancer in the same leg as our patient and had become an amputee at the same age. I was stunned at the effect the athlete had on our patient. She had been progressing fairly well since the op but she was so motivated and inspired after chatting to the athlete, who was able to show our patient that even though she had a disability, it didn’t have to be a life-long burden and she was still able to do pretty much anything she dreamed of. She has a passion for basketball and is now keen to get into wheelchair basketball, among other sports as she is able. The excitement and hope that was instilled in our patient by this athlete was wonderful to see and I’m sure it has changed her views on her (dis)ability.
I know it’s not likely that we as physio’s can get athletes of this status to visit our patients regularly, but it was so brilliant to see the influence they can have on these kids to pursue their dreams, even if they might not be the same dreams as they once had. My supervisor was lucky to get this special visitor for our patient and it took some effort for her to organise it. This has taught me the importance of doing everything in our power to find ways to inspire our patients who, especially on the oncology ward, might not have a lot left to be motivated by.
That sounds fantastic!! I'm so glad that their are people who can inspire children and bring hope to them. Even though they have achieved great things they still have time to talk to the children. It would be wonderful to motivate people.
ReplyDeleteIm not surprised that this athlete motivated your patient. I think that paralympians are amongst the most inspirational people on the planet!
ReplyDeleteI think it is a great motivational technique for children to see others that have gone through what they have (no matter whether it be cancer, amputation, eating disorders). It gives them hope that they CAN live with their problems and shows them what they can achieve.
Yes, definately inspirational. I have taken a lot of great thoughts away after treating patients with serious life altering medical conditions. Some times it feels like the patients are treating me. haha. its a good job physio!
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