[SjAnd424]

Hello all-
I am currently in college, with my goal to be an Occupational Therapist. While I have not quite hit my OT 'training', I ran across this site looking for more info on SCI's, and I must say, I found more than I could ever ask for. I have been somewhat of a stalker, just taking in as much info as I can!

Knowing most, if not all of you have had some experience with OTs, I was wondering if anyone would be willing to share some of the good/bad things about it, and also what you would have/would not have wanted your OT to do.

Thanks!

This post has been edited by SjAnd424: 18 October 2006 - 02:35 PM

[gsp23]

I no longer need OT, just PT (althought I will be going back to OT soon for driving tests and work on that )

Anyways, the things I liked is that my first day we did some of the timed thing like the pegs in and out of a board with each hand... how many blocks you can move from one side to the other with each hand, etc. Also the grip test with fingers and hand. The reason I liked those is because later on a week or so later when I couldnt tell I had made any progress we did all the same tests again and the OT could tell me what I did before and what I was doing at that time. It gave me a lot of motivation to see that I was increasing in strength and dexterity.

I hated doing the bands, although it was nice seeing that I started with the really light orange and worked up slowely to the green over the course of 4 weeks. Hated doing that pole with the rope on it where you twist it one way until the rope is extended then you twist it the other way until its wrapped back up again, but thats just me and it may be fun for someone else. Hand cycle was one of my favorite things too.

I had limited ROM and before I was in inpatient rehab, my OT showed me things I could do on myown laying in bed like taking a pillowcase or towel and grabbing it with both hands and then trying to bring my arms straight up. Anything I could work on on my own was good so I didnt feel helpless between PT/OT sessions before inpatient as laying in a bed not being able to do anything makes a person feel very helpless, even stretches, etc are great in that instance.

Alot of the other stuff I didnt care either way, I just liked it when my OT changed things around. I didnt like to do the same thing day after day as it could get really boring.

[gsp23]

Also, my family likes to play cribbage. When I was in inpatient rehab I played cribbage in my room with my dad or boyfriend every night. I had to remember to switch hands when pegging and handling cards so both hands were worked evenly even though it took a lot longer with my left hand... But I made such good progress in inpatient OT that I only needed PT for outpatient. So help them find something they like to do that they can apply every day and they can inforporate PT into their relaxation time.

[Joed]

I had in-home OT upon being released from rehab, mainly to set things up around the home so I would be able to continue to do the things I used to do. I absolutely loved my OT...she only came about four times, but she was good, and seemed to have a sixth sense about where I was emotionally/psychologically She knew when to push and when to give gentle encouragement. She knew when I was overwhelmed.

She was also very no-nonsense when it came to telling my husband what things needed moved around or installed...(he's not very self-motivated )....and he actually listened! I still would like to know how she did that.

She told me that she loved coming back for follow-ups, because mine was one of the few homes where what she had instructed to get done actually got done by her next visit. I'm still in awe of how she got my husband to install shelving in the laundry room...something I had been asking him to do for years.

She also encouraged my then-three y/o son by speaking positively about all I had accomplished....setting aside time on each visit to sit with him and read a book or just talk. I so appreciated that.

She gave me lots of breaks...although I was the one who wanted to keep pushing...she insisted that I go into the sunroom and read on a book, watch TV or whatever, every so often.

I really hated to see her time here end. I looked forward to her visits.....suppose I could get her to come back? I need some weatherstripping done.

[SjAnd424]

Thank you for the feedback!! Definately stuff I had never thought of....Joed good luck with the weatherstripping! And aantiix what is cribbage?

[curious girl]

SjAnd424, on Oct 18 2006, 05:43 PM, said:

And aantiix what is cribbage?

I'm not aantixx but I do know what cribbage is... it's a card game. I've included an attachment that has a picture of the board used and the rules. I play it with my friend (SCI C4/C5) but I peg for him. He usually kicks my butt.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cribbage

I to am studying towards becoming an OT... and from my volunteer experience I've found that variety of activity, mastering bordom, and a friendly relationship with patients is very important at the beginning.

[gsp23]

If you are interseted and want to learn how to play online, you can go to the link below.
http://gotofreegames...bage_online.htm

Also another idea that the patient can do on their own... if they like to do puzzles that helps with the manual dexterity. They need to switch hands and work both hands when doing them. I can do puzzles with my right hand but I am still working on the dexterity of my left and have problems picking up pieces with that hand. But if they enjoy doing puzzles its another way to incorporate rehab into daily life. Try comming up with as many different ways like this that they can continue to work and then when you see a new patient ask them what they like to do. If you dont hear anything you have ideas for start asking if they like to do thinks like puzzles, cribbage, etc and you will find something that will help them along that doesnt feel like rehab which is important.

[hisamsmith]

I did OT inpatient for 6 months and 18 months post injury. I have a C-5 incomplete injury that functions as a C-7-C-8 and was injured at age 6, 16 years ago. My OT was not a pediatric OT and very few adaptive devices were made in children's sizes at the time. The result was that my OT and I came up with alternative ways of doing things. For example I write using both hands. The pen sits in between my right thumb and index finger and my left hand stablizes it and keeps it in place. The benifit is I don't have to relie on devices to function. In fact my only OT device is my cuff knife that was specially fitted to my hand. The only other thing my OT did special was she payed me a quarter any time I did something new. At 6 a quarter was a lot of money.

[SCI_OTR]

SjAnd424, on Oct 18 2006, 08:35 AM, said:

Hello all-
I am currently in college, with my goal to be an Occupational Therapist. While I have not quite hit my OT 'training', I ran across this site looking for more info on SCI's, and I must say, I found more than I could ever ask for. I have been somewhat of a stalker, just taking in as much info as I can!

Knowing most, if not all of you have had some experience with OTs, I was wondering if anyone would be willing to share some of the good/bad things about it, and also what you would have/would not have wanted your OT to do.

Thanks!

I am an incomplete C6 quad who has been an OT since 1989. For the past 3 years, I have worked in an SCI program at a VA hospital and absolutely love my job. Despite public perceptions, the VA system is a great place for therapists interested in SCI. We are able to keep people longer, get them good equipment with less hassles, and spend enough individual time to actually make a difference. It is a much different situation in the private sector where "productivity" is increasingly the main criteria for how well you are doing your job.

[milosh]

OT work sounds appealling to me! ;)

hisamsmith... you ever tried writing and typing with your mouth? after a bit of practice, it becomes much easier, faster and more accurate than the way you do it now.

[Kevin]

I'm just finishing up my first semester in OT school. The VA is one of the places I'll be looking at after graduation.

[milosh]

any good OT schools in the UK?

[icarus_melt76]

SjAnd424

My experiences with OT's over many years have changed drastically. Unfortunately for the worse. Initially in rehab during most of 1976, we (SCI's) had daily schedules which included the OT. Mixed feelings at the time because she 'pushed hard'! Every day. We even hid in the tunnels under the complex of buildings. Always found us. Now I'm glad she was like she was. Even more than 'pushing', the OT's of years past were very INVENTIVE! There were lots of 'reaching sticks', simple strip of wood or plastic with a notch in the end, etc. These were simple, but effective ways of turning switches on/off as with a stove, air conditioner.....any small knobs or too far to reach. Even a stretched coat hanger. There's one on the side of my table......use it for lights or fan speeds on ceiling fans.

There were many more but what I'd like you to remember is just because something isn't in a catalogue, doesn't mean it doesn't exist or can't be made to work.

Over the past years it seems the OT's, whom I now hold in contempt, are only needed when I require something which cannot even be considered without the OT's signature. As mentioned above, they would sit down and really try to think 'of some way'.....not just what can be found in their books. Keep hearing from them now saying "CAN'T"....it doesn't exist! It doesn't matter if things aren't a shiny, manufactured device.......as long as it works. Velcro does wonders, plastic 'zip ties', bungy cords, rubber bands, tape......hell Duct tape! Maybe a big hammer!

That's basically all SCI's lifestyles. Trial and error. Transferring into cars, etc., there are many more ways than one. Try, try, try........something might work....looks be damned!

The fact that you're reading our posts show initiative! Best of luck to you.