Lessons from a PT

Today, I spent the whole day in PT, and I learned a lot. So I felt the need to immediately write down the things I learned. This is mostly for myself and my iSURG project, but feel free to read =)

The only super exciting treatment I did today was with Yonella. I once again treated her alone and am actually feeling like a real PT. I did some of her exercises with her, and then we would throw ourselves back onto the waterbed for break time and she would laugh and laugh. I really enjoy working with her, and am definitely getting the hang of it.

I learned a lot today talking to Anda while we waited for a patient to come that never showed. She was telling me that a lot of genetic problems are seen in gypsy's, because a lot of them are related. In Romania, the state gives money to the families of those who have diseases and disabilities. Anda was telling me that even though many of the gypsy's know their child will have a problem, they will keep having children to get the money. She told me the story of one boy who has cystic fibrosis. He is almost constantly left alone in the hospital or in hospice, but his parents and 10 brothers and sisters survive off the money that he brings in due to his disability. The money, apparently, is also why Yonella is in foster care. After the state cut some funding, her mother said she wanted her out. Anda was also telling me that some parents will break their child's legs or throw hot water on them, and then make the child beg for money, as an injured or disabled child is likely to get more charity. It's really sad to me that these children are being exploited for money, then not even loved in return. Most of them are just left to die.

I asked what will happen to those that don't die. Similar to America, at 18, you are a legal adult and have to find a place for yourself. The government tries to help these children get a job, but there's really nothing I can see available to them. Some of these kids are so intelligent, and they wont even get the chance to show it. But I guess it's almost the same as at home. If you have a label and something wrong with you, the vast majority of people are too busy telling you that you "can't," instead of realizing all that you can do.

That's all for now! Off to the post office and to get some food =)

te iubesc,
Alyssa