Well today I learned about the frustrating part of occupational therapy. Working out in Physiotherapy such as your arms, your legs, okay but trying to do everyday real life tasks is a whole other set of challenges. My occupational therapist has been slowly adding new things to try. No more just stretching my arms, no more hand and finger stretching exercises, were now trying real life tasks. Things just got a tiny bit more frustrating.
Last week she warned me saying that I’m going to try taking my shirt off and putting it on. That day came and I was like how am I supposed to do that. How do you do something when your wrists don’t work, you have no strength in hands and you can’t grab anything. Your fingers don’t move much either, how? This part I was honest on, this is frustrating, I couldn’t do it. This is one part of occupational therapy that can be very frustrating but something I need to learn to do.
Today when I went to my session I seen cones, a peanut butter container, a small basketball, a glass jar, and a heavy cup. Renee’s never ending treasure chest of surprises, lol. I was like what do you want me to do with that as she places the peanut butter container in front of me, lol. She laughed, “open it.”
When people don’t have use of their full hands, wrists, fingers and just plain grip strength you don’t realize how hard things can be. Something so easy you used to do is now extremely hard or impossible. She had to loosen it as I couldn’t open it. Even then it was hard as I have no grasp or strength. The heavy cup I could pick up with both hands more squeezing not grabbing. For the cones that was another one that was a challenge. You can’t grab with one hand to pick it up if you can’t squeeze it to grab it. My hands, fingers and wrists are just not there to do these things.
Occupational therapy is frustrating. I joke with her about it but I’m going to do what I need to do to get home. It’s all in good fun joking back and forth but these simple tasks can be frustrating for sure. A person doesn’t realize the things we take for granted until there gone and need help for almost everything you do. She joked later saying we’re going to make pizza this week, lol I love pizza, but how?
I’m really hoping my fingers, hands and wrists start coming back quicker. Until then I see many more frustrating occupational therapy sessions ahead. I need to learn how to do everyday tasks with what movement I do have now. Guillain Barre Syndrome brought a lot more frustration now. I’m fine with a challenge, doesn’t mean I have to like it but I’m going to continue fighting my way forward towards my recovery and getting myself back home.