Every Wednesday, we see new patients in the hospital.. some young, but mostly old. Most of them had a stroke, or started having difficulties swallowing after an operation. We look at their facial symmetry and test all their facial nerves. We listen to their speech and do a quick cognitive evaluation. We do bedside swallow evaluations and listen to them swallow with a stethoscope. We watch a videofluoroscopy of their swallowing and make recommendations of the kind of diet they should be on.
For the really old clients, we hold their hand and explain to them where they are when they get confused. We listen to them moan about not wanting to be in the hospital sometimes barely even understanding what they are saying, and unsure if they understand what we're saying. Then sometimes we watch them tear up with frustration and sadness. And then we start tearing up with them.
As I watch these old people living the last phases of their lives.. I wonder what their lives were like when they were younger. Did they have multiple boyfriends? What did they work as? Did they love their jobs? Did they go to college? How were they like when they were younger? Rambunctious, or shy? Outgoing or funny? Have they been married? How many times? Are they happy with how they lived their lives? If there was one thing they would change, what would it be? Where have they travelled to throughout their life?
Questions.. so many questions.
No comments:
Post a Comment