Changes

I saw a patient this morning diagnosed with "cerebellar degeneration" due to alcohol abuse. For those not familiar with the medical terminology.....the cerebellum controls balance and motor control, amongst other things. however, motorically it is the balance and motor control de-regulation that these patients struggle with the most.
Here is a woman today that I have seen since diagnosis in June. She is 59 and walks with a cane. She has quite drinking and still smokes (which also can inhibit balance by altering nerve messages from the feet). For months we've worked on balance, trunk control, leg strength, etc. For the last month or so I knew she was reaching her plateau. Today it finally hit her.
We spent the entire 45 minute session in my treatment room as she was very emotional and crying.
All she could think and say was "why me". "Why am I the alcoholic who can't walk right". She has trouble at AA meetings as few other members have motor symptoms.
It is days and moments like these that I know that what I am doing is right for me. Now that I am building clinical experience I could tell her.....physically you HAVE improved.....and it COULD be worse.
I have had the privilege to work with some RARE neurological conditions and from those experiences I can now assure people.....be glad you have what you have......because it COULD be worse.
I cannot imagine the pain of knowing that your behavior caused your disability....I feel for her.

Immediately after her I see a man who is tetraparetic....all 4 extremities are weak......see, I told her....it COULD be worse.........