My first experience with traumatic brain injury was in high school when a close friend's dad was in a horrible motorcycle accident. He was in a coma for months while we all tried to remain positive that he would survive. He miraculously came out of the coma, although he had a long road ahead of him. After an extensive rehabilitation period, he was able to return home. This was an important experience for me as I saw first hand not only how a TBI affects the person, but how it affects the family and the importance of support from community and health care professionals.
Me Before You I chose to watch Me Before You for my first neuro note. I chose this movie because of the hype it has received. Critics claimed that the movie misportrayed disability. I wanted to see for myself. Although the movie is probably the saddest movie I’ve ever seen, it left me with many reflections. Will Traynor was a successful, fun loving young man whose life was altered when he was hit by a motorcycle which resulted in a spinal cord injury. Will became depressed and felt like there was no reason to live. I think sometimes it’s too easy to just think about the physical changes when you think of SCI, but it’s important to recognize the emotional toll as well. His life was completely turned upside down and he had a difficult time dealing with it. I’m sure this is a common theme with SCI and I think it can be difficult for people to imagine. I’ve always, from a young age, strived to treat everyone equal because you NEVER know what someone is going through. ...
Hi Whitney, Thank you for sharing that story. I had a similar experience in high school with a friend's mother; I worked as a candy striper at the hospital in my hometown and will never forget watching his mom (a teacher at my school) go through the recovery process with her family by her side. It is just that type of experience that helps to shape who we become as OT practitioners.
ReplyDeleteP.S. I love the design of your blog!