Case Study: Pat Summitt, Early Onset Dementia- Alzheimer's Type

     I thoroughly enjoyed doing my case study on Pat Summitt. After attending the University of Tennessee Knoxville for 4 years, I felt like I could relate to the relationship that Pat had with the state of Tennessee. After having 6 miscarriages, she finally had her son, Tyler. She was actually in Pennsylvania when she starting having contractions and about to go into labor with her son Tyler. She refused to deliver her son in any other state than TN. Since Pat was such a tough, passionate woman who led the TN Lady Vols to victory a huge number of times, it was hard to hear about something like this affecting her. Especially, being diagnosed at such an early age with it. I enjoyed discussing her with my group because many of my group members also attended the University of Tennessee. It is hard to imagine how fast it progressed with Pat Summitt, and I wish that I could read her book where she opened up more about this condition.

Neuro Note #5: ALS Ice Bucket Challenge

Ted Talk: Meet the mom who started the Ice Bucket Challege by Nancy Frates

Frates, M. (2014, October). Meet the mom who started the Ice Bucket Challege. [Video File]. Retrieved from https://www.ted.com/talks/nancy_frates_why_my_family_started_the_als_ice_bucket_challenge_the_rest_is_history

Since my previous posts were mainly about blogs, I decided to change it up and watch a Ted Talk.  I decided that I wanted to learn more about one of the neurodegenerative disorders. Upon my search, I found a talk about how the ALS ice bucket challenge began. Nancy Frates’ son, Pete, was a 27 year old college baseball player. During the playoff game, a fast ball hit his wrist, and his wrist immediately went limp. After going to a neurologist and learning that he had ALS, not a fracture, break, or sprain, his family was shocked. They learned that ALS had no cure and no treatment, and the family decided that they wanted to raise awareness for ALS and work to find a cure. Pete’s younger brother became his caregiver, and Pete’s mom, Nancy, discussed how she watched her son go from an amazing baseball player to an individual who is completely paralyzed, and now, he can’t swallow. Within 3 weeks of the start of the ALS ice bucket challenge, celebrities were joining in making videos and posting to social media, and within 4 weeks, the ALS ice bucket challenge was global. This brought new trial drugs for ALS and money for research.  When the ALS ice bucket challenge came out, I had no idea what it was, so it definitely helped bring awareness to me. I remember watching countless videos on instagram and facebook. Some things that struck out to me most from this TedTalk were that she said that her son Pete knows his purpose now on earth, and she knows her purpose as well. Some people never find their passion/mission in life, and she alluded to the fact that Pete was lucky that he found his. She also said that we should start each day being positive, proactive, and when her son is still going to the baseball games driving a power wheelchair with eye gazing technology, we need to remember that it was probably challenging for him to put himself out there like that. As an OT, it will be important to remember this as well, and to respect the fact that neurodegenerative conditions like ALS are progressive. While I really cannot imagine what it would be like to have a condition like this, I know that as an OT, we need to help our clients have a voice and advocate for them. I hope that during my lifetime, we see some sort of treatment for ALS. I enjoyed hearing about the condition from a mother/caregiver's perspective, and I am so amazed by Nancy's uplifting, positive spirit about her son's condition. I hope that we as OTs can be the uplifting and positive spirit for our clients.

Muscular Dystrophy Case Study, Chelsea Chandler

Today we learned about muscular dystrophy, and Chelsea presented her case study about Jonah Marlin. He has MD in the most common form and has muscle atrophy and weakness. It occurs mainly in boys with a defective gene in the muscle protein. There is no cure for MD, and Jonah was diagnosed at age 5 years. His brother also has muscular dystrophy. Chelsea told us that males have a greater chance of getting muscular dystrophy because males have XY chromosomes and females have XX chromosomes, so since it affects the X chromosome, females have another X if it was affected. Chelsea said that Jonah was able to walk once but then as the disease progressed, he became weaker and now has to use a power wheelchair. Jonah had PT, OT, and did equine therapy as a preventative measure. Chelsea said that she would recommend a weighted fork, sliding board, and universal cuff for him. Chelsea did a really great job with this presentation!

Huntington's Disease: Makayla's Case Study

     Today in our neuro class, we listened to Makayla's presentation about Trey Gray.  He has Huntington's Disease. Trey was the drummer for Brooks and Dunn and for Reba. It was interesting because he started drumming for Brooks and Dunn in 2002, but he was diagnosed with HD in 2003. He is a musician, producer, father, husband, and national spokesperson. He lives in Nashville and has a fund. With HD, it is genetic, and Trey's sister and did not get it, but he did. His parents had it as well. This is a degenerative disease ad no cure, just medications to slow it down and manage skills. He drinks to cope with the disease, and Makayla's goals were to drum through a song without mistakes. Makayla mentioned that he hates the word "celebrity" because he is just a drummer, so that's probably why there isn't much information released about him. Makayla did a really good job with her presentation and informing us about Huntington's Disease.

Main Takeaway from Foundations OT 425

   I thoroughly enjoyed this class. I learned that I am a perfectionist, and that I sometimes spend a lot of time on the projects. This class was necessary in providing the foundation of what OT is, and I thought that it was taught so well! I feel like all of the activities facilitated my learning, and I enjoyed having a second round on the exams. I can honestly say I learned more in this class than any of my undergraduate classes. I learned that I am a very hands on learner, so I enjoyed the documentation lab, activity analysis, and era presentations the most. The conceptual diagram project was also a good way to tie everything we had learned in the course together. The word cloud below is what I included in my conceptual diagram, and I think it really ties together what OT is and means. I think that I will really miss having this course because it was fun, and I was so interested in learning all of the material.

(wordclouds.com)

Amanda Jones (MG) Group Discussion

     Today in the group discussion, we learned about Myasthenia Gravis. Lauren did her presentation on Amanda Jones, who is a photographer. Lauren was able to connect with Amanda via Facebook and ask her questions. One interesting fact that Lauren mentioned was that Amanda is going through chemo and is being treated by cellcept as well. I never thought that Chemo would have been used to treat something like this. Lauren mentioned that she was 34 years old when she was diagnosed with MG, and she is currently 37 years old. I previously didn't know much about MG, but Lauren told us that it was a neurodegenerative disease where the body attacks its own ACH neuromuscular receptors and affects muscle contractions. Amanda's main symptom was her fatigue, and when she got up to cook, she would feel like she ran a marathon. Amanda is a photographer and mother, and since the diagnosis, she can no longer photograph clients because of the MG symptoms. Lauren also mentioned that there was no cure, but an OT would be helpful in getting adaptive devices for her to continue her photography, help with planning her day so that she has rest times but also can participate socially and with family. Amanda told Lauren that she isn't currently receiving OT.

RKS Art Show Blog Post #11

The RKS Art Show was by far one of the coolest events I've been to! I wish I had enough money to bid on them all. Each piece was so unique and creative, and I'm sure all of the artists were so proud of their work! Events like these make me so excited to pursue a career in this field, and I think there should be more of them.

I particularly loved Kaitlyn's piece called My Healing Tree. The fact that she created the art piece with her nose is incredible! I can hardly draw a stick figure, so I always admire any creative ability. This shines a light on what OT is and provides for people. They adapt the task, person, and/or environment to fit the client's needs! By adapting how Kaitlyn was able to paint using an iPad, she was able to engage in this occupation. Such a cool and inspiring event!

Kevin Turner: KT, ALS group presentation OT 537

Today in neuro, we discussed the story of K.T. and his diagnosis of ALS. Lauren discussed some interesting life facts about K.T. He was diagnosed at age 41 with ALS, and his first wife divorced him after the diagnosis. He later married his nurse. She also told us that brain trauma from football has a correlation with ALS, and that K.T. sued the NFL for not protecting against head traumas. Lauren also discussed how OTs would be involved in the treatment of ALS at stage 3. The OT would help with home modifications, assistive devices, ROM programs, strength, endurance, and using a neck brace to keep his neck up during his son's football games. After learning about ALS from the diagnosis snapshot, it was interesting to see how Lauren described the progress of the disease compared to what I read about, and K.T. first felt his hands feel different and then it went to his respiratory system, and he passed away at the age of 45.

Another interesting point that Lauren made that goes along with what we are learning about in Foundations is what to say if a client asks if they are going to get better or walk again, etc. Lauren said that KT asked his OT this question, and all the OT could say was that he knows the progression of the disease. She didn't say he would or would not recover.

Overall, Lauren did a great job with this presentation, and I enjoyed the discussion.

Neuro Note #4: Parkinson's Disease

One of the topics we are learning about in our neuro class is Parkinson’s disease (PD). I realized that it was one thing to learn about the facts and statistics of a condition, but that I learn best through personal experiences and learning from someone who has experienced the condition firsthand. These realizations made me want to find someone’s experience with Parkinson’s disease and learn what it is like to live with this disease.  After searching several personal blogs, I came to Terri Reinhart’s website, Studio Foxhoven, and her blog about her Parkinson’s disease called “My Parkinson’s Journey.” Terri writes from back in 2008 to the present year about her experiences and challenges. She was diagnosed in 2006 with Parkinson’s disease. Her very first post explained her prognosis of Parkinson’s disease, how she was aware that Parkinson’s disease was progressive, and that life is uncertain. However, she mentioned that she wanted to live a “normal” life. She also made a list of things that she would want to have from friends and family. As I was reading the list, it made me realize that my list would be similar. Really, the whole list was just about living life and enjoying it. In addition, all of the things she wanted people to be able to do with her would be what an OT would also need to know. In one of our foundations classes this term, we discussed that if a client has a condition that wouldn’t be curable/treatable, it would be imperative to treat the client according to their priorities and “bucket list.” When reading this blog post, I automatically thought back to that foundations discussion.

One particular post that stuck out to me was from 2011 about setting goals. In OT, setting goals is an important aspect of our services. Client’s goals are the most important and are considered when we are setting intervention goals. Her major goal when she first discovered she had Parkinson’s was to learn how to enjoy her life with her new condition. This is what OT is all about! This shows that we are not just treating the diagnosis; we are treating the client!

In one of her recent posts, she discussed her fatigue and exhaustion. Like we learned in class, fatigue is one of the main symptoms of  PD, and it can be a challenging symptom. Terri discussed that it is the hardest part about having Parkinson’s, and that when she experiences feelings of grief, they are usually related to the fatigue that comes with the disease. In addition, she had other posts that were related to OT think such as wanting to be seen as a person and not seen for her disease, and she wants respect from her doctors. After reading this, I am so excited to be this change for individuals who want to be seen in terms of what they CAN do instead of what they CAN’T do.

Reinhart, T.  (2008, June 15). Studio Foxhoven [Blog Post]. Retrieved from

http://studiofoxhoven.com/parkjournal/

OT 425: Autism in Adults, emerging practice area Blog Post #10

     In foundations this past Tuesday, we had class regarding the emerging areas of practice. For my in class blog post, I discussed why I was interested in the health/wellness emerging areas of practice, specifically Obesity. This is a field that I am extremely interested in, but when I was researching about that area, I can across another area that is near and dear to my heart.
     My younger cousin, Grant, is turning 18 this month. He will soon be 22 and will no longer be able to stay in high school. The emerging field that is now becoming more popular is Autism in Adults. This area of practice focuses on the transition period between high school and the "real world," and is becoming popular because there is a need for programs that would help individuals integrate and be comfortable in society.
     When I think about my cousin's situation, I completely agree that there is a need for services during the transition period that he will soon have to face. Currently, his major classes at school focus on life skills and learning how to be independent as much as possible. I think that this emerging practice area is so important, and one that I hope to be involved with in some way in the future.






(Information about emerging area of practice retrieved from: Autism in Adults. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.aota.org/Practice/Rehabilitation-Disability/Emerging-Niche/Autism.aspx)

OT 425: Cultural Competency Blog Post #9

     Today in foundations we discussed the topics of culture, the culture of OT,  and cultural competency. We discussed how there are different values and beliefs of different cultures as well.  I experienced differences in manners and in language from growing up in all of the different states that I lived in. For example, my parents are both from the north and so are their families. We have predominately lived in the South for most of my childhood, and when we moved to South Carolina, everyone said "Y'all." With my parent's families being from the north, they say "you guys" and think that it is incorrect grammar to say "y'all". As an OT, it is important to realize these differences and be able to recognize when we have different beliefs, biases, and cultural upbringings.
    Another experience that I had growing up involving culture was when I moved to Alpharetta, GA. In the public schools there, we weren't allowed to say "Merry Christmas" or have Christmas parties at school. We had to say "Happy Holidays" and have holiday parties at school. This was because there was such diversity in the area with different religions and backgrounds. I went to my first Bat Mitzvah living there, and I was exposed to many different traditions and religions. Soon after, we moved to Greenville, South Carolina, where everyone said "Yes ma'am" and "Merry Christmas" without hesitation. This was an adjustment within itself for me, as I grew up thinking I wasn't able to say "Merry Christmas" to respect everyone's beliefs. It is so interesting to see how many differences there are in just the US, let alone all over the world. As an OT, we will be working with a variety of individuals with unique beliefs, backgrounds, and culture. We need to appreciate the differences, respect them, and learn from them.

Emerging Practice Areas of OT in Health/ Wellness: Obesity

      One of the emerging practice areas of OT that is of interest to me is in the area of health and wellness. Within this emerging practice area, I am particularly interested in obesity. As an undergraduate Kinesiology major, many of my courses were centered around epidemiology, physical education, health, and wellness. As a runner in high school, physical activity is something that I am passionate about and would love to be able to incorporate in some way into my practice. Obesity is beyond just being overweight, and it can lead to many health problems. It is on the rise in the US affecting individuals all across the lifespan. In addition, individuals with conditions such as spinal cord injuries and other physical/ mental disabilities are at a greater risk for obesity. Occupational therapists are involved in treating individuals with these conditions, and now, it is becoming more important to address this obesity risk as well.
     After learning about why this is considered an emerging field in OT practice, I was interested in what an OT's role would be in this particular area. OTs are influential in helping individuals make lifestyle changes in terms of routines and habits, which could help to prevent this risk of obesity. OTs can provide interventions that promote a healthy lifestyle such as implementing daily exercise and healthy eating habits. This can help with weight loss and maintaining long-term health. OTs help make individualized plans for their clients and can even promote community health programs.
     This emerging practice area relates to AOTA's Vision 2025 because the vision involves improving one's health. OTs main focus is to improve an individual's function in their daily occupations. Obesity could be a factor that is limiting one's ability to participate in these occupations, and OTs can help individuals achieve their goals in these areas.

References

AOTA Unveils Vision 2025. (n.d). Retrieved from https://www.aota.org/AboutAOTA/vision-

     2025.aspx

Obesity. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.aota.org/Practice/Health-Wellness/Emerging

     Niche/Obesity.aspx

Obesity and Occupational Practice. (2013). The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 67, S39-

     S46. doi: 10.5014/ajot.2013.67S39 

   

Case Study Presentation: Parkinson's Disease

Today we learned about Parkinson’s Disease (PD) in our case study discussions. Haleigh led our group and discussed that this individual was one of her mom’s clients for OT. He lives in a single story house and can still drive.  He enjoys going to dinner with his wife, duck hunting, and fishing. His biggest complaint was that he couldn't just sit and watch TV because of his slow functioning. Haleigh mentioned that the role of OTs in this case would be to reuse the muscles because their motor function is being lost with the progression of PD. My main takeaway from the discussion was how much the LVST BIG program that her mom is certified in helped the client’s coordination, gait, mobility, and sit-to-stand function. The program is a 4-week intensive program that the client does at home. We watched videos from the beginning of the program and at the 6-month check up. It really was amazing to see the progress of the individual after participating in this program. You could really see the improvement in his function and the speed of the movements.