Life Working in the Neuro Clinic

It's been an exhausting 4 weeks working in the neurology outpatients physiotherapy clinic. I saw 4 patients a day, 1.5 hrs each. Somehow, I ended up with many of the patients with dysphasia (more specifically Broca's aphasia) in which they could understand what I was trying to say but couldn't express what they wanted to say besides answering yes/no questions. I had one patient who always ended up singing his answers to me "oooh, yes" and breaking out in song all of a sudden.

It's an interesting environment to work in. Most of the patients know each other, from spending time on the acute ward together, chatting during treatment sessions, and their families chatting to each other too. In some ways, they're each other's support group. It's hard not to get emotionally attached to these people. With 1.5 hrs a session, you get to hear and know all about their life story, families, and it's amazing how some of them can be so strong and positive in their attitude.

I also had a number of heavier patients. It didn't help that I somehow irritated my ulnar nerve and ended up with pins and needles/numbness on the medial side of my forearm and little finger for 2 days. It got better, but my arm's felt heavy on/off since then. The benefit of being in physio is some free treatment from friends :)

It's a little sad saying goodbye to the patients, but I'm glad another prac is finished. As much as it's a good learning experience, it's quite stressful having to be constantly on your toes as everything is being assessed and being asked questions and judged all the time.

• 3 days till the start of my placement in the cardiothoracic and general med ward
• 4 days till the staff/student grad dinner
• June 1 - fly to Singapore
• June 7 - fly HOME!!!