She has been optometrically (is that even a word?) and she has a lower field cut. This has been present for 7 years. Her vision is a big factor but bear in mind that she was confidently walking pulling weeds, cutting down trees (just kiddin' on that one!) Of course, she has fallen twice in less than 1 year so maybe her symptoms are progressing somewhat.
She really has a lot going on. I think a "normal" person would have already given up. I love my friend's spunk and I want to do the best for her. Thank you so very much to everyone who is providing feedback for me!! Ron ----- Original Message ----- From: ehthiers <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Saturday, September 08, 2007 To: [email protected] <[email protected]> Subj: [OTlist] Overcoming Fear During Mobility e> How's her vision? Does she wear bifocals? What's the rest of her e> neuorlogical status? Psychosocially, is she always anxious with new e> activities? I know my mother in-law had a brain tumor years back and when e> placed in emotionally stressful conditions (eg son leaving to come back to e> Florida), she will seemingly not be able to go up and down the steps on her e> pretty knees, even though physically she is ok. She floods easily and e> becomes anxious although she can't articulate that. She has also has tricky e> visual spatial difficulties that are hard to see unless you have some e> training in behavioral/ neuro-optometry. Any of these been looked at? e> Beth t. >> -----Original Message----- >> From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] >> [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Lehman, David >> Sent: Friday, September 07, 2007 1:20 PM >> To: [email protected] >> Subject: Re: [OTlist] Overcoming Fear During Mobility >> >> I agree with you Ron...we only overcome our fears by >> attempting the task and succeeding. As for balance control, >> the same holds true and also one must "fall" to learn how to >> regain balance control.....so, maybe use a "secure" >> environment (i.e. things to grab on or mats to fall on, and >> give challenges while she walks with cane (i.e. changing >> positions, shoving her, people walking in front of her, >> etc)...also, maybe she will do better without a cane - maybe >> the cane just adds more complexity to the task >> >> David A. Lehman, PhD, PT >> >> Associate Professor >> >> Tennessee State University >> >> Department of Physical Therapy >> >> 3500 John A. Merritt Blvd. >> >> Nashville, TN 37209 >> >> 615-963-5946 >> >> [EMAIL PROTECTED] >> >> >> >> This email and any files transmitted with it may contain >> confidential information and is intended solely for use by >> the individual to whom it is addressed. If you receive this >> correspondence in error, please notify the sender and delete >> the email from your system. Do not disclose its contents with others. >> >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] >> [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Ron Carson >> Sent: Friday, September 07, 2007 11:34 AM >> To: OTlist >> Subject: [OTlist] Overcoming Fear During Mobility >> >> Hello All: >> >> Any great suggestions for helping someone overcome fear >> with using a cane? The patient really wants to be >> independent but she is scared of falling. She is physically >> and mentally able to use the cane with only occasional >> cueing, but she is just fearful. But, she wants to learn to >> safely and effectively use her cane. Suggestions? I've told >> her that all that I know to do is give her the opportunity >> to be successful with her cane but she must internalize >> this success. I likened it to someone learning to walk a >> tightrope. They are at first fearful but after proper >> instruction and successful engagement, their fear >> subsides. But, not everyone would be able to control their >> fear in such a situation. I am considering that this >> patient will not be able to find balance between confidence and fear. >> >> Thanks, >> >> Ron >> >> -- >> "... as a profession that offers unique services that are >> ideally suited to meet the health, participation, and >> quality of life needs of people of all ages, occupational >> therapy is well-positioned to succeed and flourish in the >> 21st century." [Fred Somers, AJOT, April, 2005, p. 127] >> >> "The part of convalescence that I found most profoundly >> humiliating and depressing was [OT]... I was reduced to >> playing with brightly colored plastic letters ... like a >> three-year-old..." [AJOT, April, 2005, p. >> 231] >> >> >> -- >> Options? >> www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com >> >> Archive? >> www.mail-archive.com/[email protected] >> >> ************************************************************** >> ********** >> ************** >> Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of >> Science for OTs Online. Gain the skills and credentials to >> propel your career. >> www.otdegree.com/otn >> ************************************************************** >> ********** >> ************** >> >> -- >> Options? >> www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com >> >> Archive? >> www.mail-archive.com/[email protected] >> >> ************************************************************** >> ************************ >> Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of >> Science for OTs Online. Gain the skills and credentials to >> propel your career. >> www.otdegree.com/otn >> ************************************************************** >> ************************ -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/[email protected] ************************************************************************************** Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of Science for OTs Online. 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