Be Positive

I've been volunteering at the hospital for about a month now. Reflecting on what I've been through there, I would definitely say that I have grown. My first few days I was very timid and wouldn't talk much. Now I talk to patients, help out the therapists with whatever they need, and even get to help out with the patients in some of their exercises. I've seen patients who have been very positive and upbeat, and I have seen patients who really don't want to try to get better. Today, I got to witness two patients who are very determined to get better.

The first patient was one of the sweetest women I have the pleasure to know. Bless her heart, she gained a lot of weight in a very short amount of time, and it has made it difficult for her to get up on her own. It takes about four of us to lift her up, but she is one of the patients who helps as much she can to get up. Even though it is difficult for her to sit up, she still tries and she is the most positive patient in the hospital. She is the kind of patient anyone would love to have. She does not give up and she does not give attitude. It's sad not knowing what caused the steep increase in her weight, but hopefully when we get her out of bed and walking she will be able to figure out what the problem is.

The second patient was a bit different. He is on dialysis, although the actual reason for why he's been admitted is unknown to me. He doesn't have the same attitude as Patient 1, but he is a determined person. Today we worked on having him stand with one of the lifts. He was able to do it for six times. He did not want to stop until he had at least five. With the last time, it took him awhile to recover and catch his breath. With most patients, they would have stopped at that time. Not this guy. He worked very hard and his determination is what is going to get him out quickly.

Both of these patients are what PTs would hope to have from every patient. Sadly, not every patient is that. On the other hand, it does give the job a challenge to overcome, which will only help in the long run.