Week 4 Day 4-5

Every Friday afternoon Monique and I get to to the hydro classes run by Bentley hospital. Because the hospital doesn't have its own pool, they hire out the multiple sclerosis society pool which is a bout a five minute drive from the hospital. Its the only service that patients have to pay for due to the hire of the pool, and it costs them $5 a session. Each patient is referred by their physio, and then they are given a program depending on their condition. There are about 10-15 different programs, ranging from shoulder programs to lumbar spine to total knee replacements. There are 3 40 minute sessions on Wednesdays and Fridays.

For the past 3 weeks I have been working with a lovely older Italian lady who is very fearful of water. Its so strange to me because swimming is such a part of our culture. When she first came into the pool she wouldn't let go of the railings unless I was holding on to both hands and she was still scared. Today I had here walking along the shallow end forwards, sideways and backwards without holding on. I have gradually worked out the safest way to have her in the pool as she gradually lets go but it has definitely been a learning curve. She is definitely one patient I will miss, as today was our last session. I'm really not looking forward to saying goodbye to a few of my patients next week!!!