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Transfatty Lives - Neuro Note #3

"As ALS kills . . . Transfatty lives"

Patrick O'Brien was diagnosed with ALS at a very young age of 30 years old.  Before this diagnosis, Patrick indulged in film making, mixing music, creating art, and drinking beer with his friends.  After his diagnosis he still continued to do just that.  He emerged from behind the lens and put himself and life with ALS in the spotlight.  He very accurately and creatively illustrated the progression of ALS.

Watching this film through my "OT lens" helped me understand truly how fast some neurodegenerative diseases can progress and why it is important to always be thinking one step ahead.  One day Patrick was using a walker, and the next he was in a power chair.  This progression is something a practitioner must always consider in order to stay ahead of future obstacles.  I paid close attention to the transfers and bed mobility shown because we just recently learned those techniques in Biomechanics.  It was impacting how difficult some transfers can be, requiring multiple people.  Bathing, which is something I have always taken for granted, seemed to become a challenging ADL for Patrick and his caregivers.  Being a caregiver or practitioner for a client with a neurodegenerative disease requires a lot of patience.  I have always been a fast worker, fast walker, and fast talker.  Seeing Patrick slow down in every aspect of his life, especially his speech was tough.  Something for me to consider is that it is essential to take things slow and be patient with future clients similar to Patrick.  

I love that Patrick had so many eccentric hobbies to keep his mind alive.  As an OT, it would not be hard to find his clinical carrot.  He is very passionate about his artwork and his son.  For a period of time, he stayed at a nursing home where he spent most of his time in a hospital bed.  Patrick's mind went to a dark place during those days, and it was portrayed in his film.  Fortunately, he was able to be transferred to a home specializing in people with ALS.  This gave him more opportunity to be socially active and participate in other activities.

Overall, this film was a genius and raw depiction of life with ALS.  Patrick did an amazing job advocating and educating his audience, and of course he did it with his brilliant style, unique humor, and true emotions.

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