OT

The other part of my rehab was to see an occupational therapist. Again, when I started I didn't quite know what was involved, but we sat down and discussed what my objectives were and then we got down to business.

As opposed to physio which was supposed to be therapeutic and improve my functionality, my time with the OT was purely educational and focused on two aspects.

First, maximising the use of what you have by making sure you use it properly and also learning new strategies of how to use things to get more benefit from them.

The second aspect was to look for new equipment to assist in everyday living, and i have to say there is a bunch of stuff out there to help, from button hooks to cooking aids, there is an amazing amount of stuff. Even without a disability,, some of it would be really useful. In future blogs I will categorise some of the new equipment I have got.

So, what did I think of it. There is no question that the process has been beneficial, but I keep wrestling with the fact that I feel ripped off with having to go in the first place. I guess that it is always hard coming to terms with the fact that you are sick, and the road to recovery can be hard and sometimes even unattainable. Until next time, stay well:)

Physio

I have seen a physio before. Every time I have a stiff neck or my muscles don't feel quite right, off I go. But this was different. The aim of the game was to improve simple tasks that I was now starting to find difficult. Such as walking.

So, what was the process? There were two main objectives, strength and balance. If both of these were improved, then tasks such as walking should be easier.

In the first session, the physio tested my muscle strength and identified muscle groups that were weak and needed work. They then gave me exercises that would strengthen those muscles.

They also tested my balance. This involved things like shutting my eyes and seeing how long I could stand still for, and pigeon stepping along an imaginary tight rope. Again, a series of exercises were developed so I could practice and improve.

During the process I did question the validity and the good that was being done, but I stayed the six week course and at the end the benefits were easy to see. Not only did I improve my results the first set of tests, I improved my walking and other skills.

So it has been worth it, and I thoroughly recommend it for anyone in a similar situation. Until next time, stay wellJ

Artificial Kidneys

The following link was forwarded to me by a friend that I think anyone with kidney problems may find interesting. I know I have a few fellow cystinuiric patients reading my blog, you will surely be interested. But it is still early days, and I can't see this being preferential to transplantation for a long time to come.

Enjoy.

http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2010/09/researchers-announce-first-implantable-artificial-kidney-prototype/