Baghwant Singh is a new admission to the Piara Singh Ward (Which is the Male ward at the Amritsar Location). Since Gulshan Ji has gone to his Home in MP, I am taking over all his tasks. Therefore It is my responsibiliy to check over which patients are arriving, which patients are going to the hospital, and which patients are to be released from the hopital. Its an interesting task- making sure the patient has cleared all medical exams, HIV tests, and TB Tests, doing case history reports, and evaluations of the patients on the admissions forms.
I was making my rounds at the Piara Singh Ward yesterday and was meeting with all the new admissions, doing evaluations, trying to get information out of these patients. Many patients are hard of hearing, some don't know where they came from, and cannot tell even who to call.
Baghwan on the other hand knows exactly where he came from, and what he wants to do next. Baghwant is an Addictions patient. He is addicted to Smack, Bhaang, and Alcohol. Pt last used a day or two ago. He comes from a very good family background- although his addiction has ruined many lives; his mother who is now poor due to Baghwant's addiction, His wife who even if she wishes to leave him, cant because they have two children together and his two children, who desire the love of their father.
Baghwant was dropped off by his family- They have become sick of his addiction and for the 3rd time they are seeking help from Pingalwara- Baghwant is a Frequent Flier- Unfortunately Baghwant cannot stop his cravings- Since he has not used for two days- he has started to go through withdrawls. Pt is sweating, shaking, tremors etc.. These withdrawl symptoms are causing agitation and irritation with Baghwant- Sadly the sewadars don't understand how to help him, in fact they fear him because of his size and his cursing. rather then getting him a medical check up and have him medically cleared they are trying to tie him to his bed so he doesn't get violent. Obviously he will become violent- It took 4 Sewadars to control him and my talking him down. Finally after a bit of a struggle, a few sewadars including myself being cursed at and hit we were able to calm him down.
Sadly since he could not control his rage, he was tied to his bed the whole night, and untied early the next morning. I was able to speak to Beeji (Dr. Inderjeet Kaur), Col Bawa Sir, and Rahi Sir- finally the orders were given for a medical check up.
Before going home I decided to visit the Piara Singh ward- and I was promised from Baghwnt that he will Behave and not bother the sewadars- and that he will not act out or become violent or curse. I was surprised to see that he kept his promise this morning when I made my rounds at Piara Singh Ward.
Hopefully we will be able to make a difference in Baghwant Singh's life- and those attached to him. It really matters at how much he wants to help himself.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Saturday, January 24, 2009
My Group-
My Group consists of 6 women-as I had mentioned earlier I chose 6 women out of 40+. These women are either mentally retarded, have epilepsy or are just in old age. We meet for about 1-2 hours daily. These women have made such progress within our first week of group therapy- it’s unbelievable. All day long, all they do is sit outside in the sun; they have no activity which gives them some brain stimulation. A lot of the times if you walk by the ward you will see these women either yelling at each other, or just sleeping in the sun with flies all around.
Gulshan Ji and I have decided to take a few women and experiment different activities on them-to see what progress they are making. Then after that has been completed we will be taking a 3 of the 6 into the Sensory room. The Sensory room is a place where the walls and floors are padded- lights turned off, music is turned on, and different types of lights are projected onto the floors and walls. This is a room for the therapist to observe the patient interact with the lights and sounds. This room as created by another volunteer, such as myself for the children. The second Sensory room is a brightly lit room with many colors- it is also padded wall to floor- with toys and objects which help the patient work with touch, smell, feel, sound etc.. Gulshan Ji and I would like to see how this type of brain stimulus will help our patients from the Psychiatric ward.
Our Group consists of us talking about different topics- we talk about how to cook food, the prep of that food, we do Simran –(Chanting of gods name) which is absol amazing- because they know so many religious songs, and sing very well. We also sing songs, which is very sweet because they know songs from the early 70’s or 80’s and have no idea about songs from any later time. We also talk about a scene- and draw it. For example- I will ask them what is outside a House- and as they talk and start to yell out different items I start to draw it on a piece of paper – they will yell out: House, Windows, Trees, Plants, Flowers, Cycle, Grass, Water Pump, Car, Birds, Garden etc.. And at the end of this activity I will pass around this sheet which I have drawn all these items on and they will identify them. We have drawn many scenes, such as: The Ocean, School Grounds, House, and Kitchen. One of the activities which they really enjoyed was when we drew the Ocean- because we also drew a boat- then we took some news paper and we folded it into a boat- It was great how some of them were able to keep up with the activity and some were not- the ones that were able to keep up with the activity were helping the ones who could not make the boat.
3 of my Group members talk a lot and 3 of them do not- Many times I have to tell Kancham, Tari and Satnam ji to talk less, and I have to yell at Lukhbir, Farida and Shanti to talk more. It’s amazing how their speech has imporved and clarity. I always tell them that I am Hard of hearing and that they need to speak loud in order for me to hear them- Then they start to speak louder- They were given the task to talk amonst themselves and talk about different types of foods they like and how to prepare those dishes. It was amazing how they forgot for a while that I was even there- they were so involved. They talked forever about food and preps of those foods and then asked each other advice and even gave advice. It was fun to watch them interact and become friends.
This week we plan to start some arts and crafts with them, hopefully some clay therapy, drawings, and string therapy. I have many plans- lets see if they are able to fall into place-
Gulshan Ji and I have decided to take a few women and experiment different activities on them-to see what progress they are making. Then after that has been completed we will be taking a 3 of the 6 into the Sensory room. The Sensory room is a place where the walls and floors are padded- lights turned off, music is turned on, and different types of lights are projected onto the floors and walls. This is a room for the therapist to observe the patient interact with the lights and sounds. This room as created by another volunteer, such as myself for the children. The second Sensory room is a brightly lit room with many colors- it is also padded wall to floor- with toys and objects which help the patient work with touch, smell, feel, sound etc.. Gulshan Ji and I would like to see how this type of brain stimulus will help our patients from the Psychiatric ward.
Our Group consists of us talking about different topics- we talk about how to cook food, the prep of that food, we do Simran –(Chanting of gods name) which is absol amazing- because they know so many religious songs, and sing very well. We also sing songs, which is very sweet because they know songs from the early 70’s or 80’s and have no idea about songs from any later time. We also talk about a scene- and draw it. For example- I will ask them what is outside a House- and as they talk and start to yell out different items I start to draw it on a piece of paper – they will yell out: House, Windows, Trees, Plants, Flowers, Cycle, Grass, Water Pump, Car, Birds, Garden etc.. And at the end of this activity I will pass around this sheet which I have drawn all these items on and they will identify them. We have drawn many scenes, such as: The Ocean, School Grounds, House, and Kitchen. One of the activities which they really enjoyed was when we drew the Ocean- because we also drew a boat- then we took some news paper and we folded it into a boat- It was great how some of them were able to keep up with the activity and some were not- the ones that were able to keep up with the activity were helping the ones who could not make the boat.
3 of my Group members talk a lot and 3 of them do not- Many times I have to tell Kancham, Tari and Satnam ji to talk less, and I have to yell at Lukhbir, Farida and Shanti to talk more. It’s amazing how their speech has imporved and clarity. I always tell them that I am Hard of hearing and that they need to speak loud in order for me to hear them- Then they start to speak louder- They were given the task to talk amonst themselves and talk about different types of foods they like and how to prepare those dishes. It was amazing how they forgot for a while that I was even there- they were so involved. They talked forever about food and preps of those foods and then asked each other advice and even gave advice. It was fun to watch them interact and become friends.
This week we plan to start some arts and crafts with them, hopefully some clay therapy, drawings, and string therapy. I have many plans- lets see if they are able to fall into place-
Friday, January 23, 2009
I Don't want to become OLD!
I am Officially Afraid of getting OLD!
For the past two days I have been running around from the Manawal Location to the Amritsar Location making rounds with Gulshan Ji (My Senior- Social worker)-
Yesterday I was at the Manawal Location- I sat in the Male Ward and did some Counseling- and then today I sat with my group. I could not believe the imporvement they are making. Since Yesterday I was in the Manawal Location I could not meet with my Group- and Today they were asking me why I didn't come today. These women- some are Mentally retarded- some in old age. I will write more about my group tomo.
The reason I am afraid of growing old- well today Again I went to Manawal With Dr.Neki ( A VERY Noble Doctor who spends his time with Pingalwara patients- Dr. Neki is a very simple man, he does not own a car or motor cycle-he goes from one hospital to another by Cycle!)
today we went to the Manawal Location- and made rounds of patients- I saw many patients who were just left in Pingalwara to ROT by their families- rich families! ofcourse many of the patients have been found on the streets- etc..
I cannot even put into words what I have seen today- I just wish and pray to god to take me into his arms once I am unable to care for myself and family. I DO NOT WANT TO BE ALONE- or UNABLE to care for myself! If you think what I am saying is FOOLISH- THEN PLEASE COME TO AMRITSAR- and VISIT PINGALWARA- your views on LIFE will totally change. You will become a different PERSON!!!
I know that Inside I AM CHANGING.... I am becoming very FEARFUL of GOD's Capabilities!
So please my Friend- HELP OTHERS in NEED- GOD IS WATCHING US ALL!!
Its Time for me to sleep now- I wake up at 6am to Shower,then I go to Golden Temple to SAY THANK YOU to god for what he has given me in life- and For my Family, Friends, and my patients....then I am off to work!
Tomo I am visiting 3 Hospitals in Amritsar in the Mental Wards! to make rounds with Gulshan Ji and Dr. Neki.
So GOOD NIGHT my Friends!
For the past two days I have been running around from the Manawal Location to the Amritsar Location making rounds with Gulshan Ji (My Senior- Social worker)-
Yesterday I was at the Manawal Location- I sat in the Male Ward and did some Counseling- and then today I sat with my group. I could not believe the imporvement they are making. Since Yesterday I was in the Manawal Location I could not meet with my Group- and Today they were asking me why I didn't come today. These women- some are Mentally retarded- some in old age. I will write more about my group tomo.
The reason I am afraid of growing old- well today Again I went to Manawal With Dr.Neki ( A VERY Noble Doctor who spends his time with Pingalwara patients- Dr. Neki is a very simple man, he does not own a car or motor cycle-he goes from one hospital to another by Cycle!)
today we went to the Manawal Location- and made rounds of patients- I saw many patients who were just left in Pingalwara to ROT by their families- rich families! ofcourse many of the patients have been found on the streets- etc..
I cannot even put into words what I have seen today- I just wish and pray to god to take me into his arms once I am unable to care for myself and family. I DO NOT WANT TO BE ALONE- or UNABLE to care for myself! If you think what I am saying is FOOLISH- THEN PLEASE COME TO AMRITSAR- and VISIT PINGALWARA- your views on LIFE will totally change. You will become a different PERSON!!!
I know that Inside I AM CHANGING.... I am becoming very FEARFUL of GOD's Capabilities!
So please my Friend- HELP OTHERS in NEED- GOD IS WATCHING US ALL!!
Its Time for me to sleep now- I wake up at 6am to Shower,then I go to Golden Temple to SAY THANK YOU to god for what he has given me in life- and For my Family, Friends, and my patients....then I am off to work!
Tomo I am visiting 3 Hospitals in Amritsar in the Mental Wards! to make rounds with Gulshan Ji and Dr. Neki.
So GOOD NIGHT my Friends!
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Wake up Early Day...
Sleep did not come easy to me last night, and i was due at the main office at 7:30am- which means I wake up at 5:30am to Shower (which the bloody water was COLD this morning), to go to the Golden Temple (which is a 6 min walk from my hotel) and then i take a Rikshaw to my Main office- from there I took a bus to the Manawal Location (Manawal Location is on the outskirts of Amritsar- about a 20-30 min bus ride from Amritsar). Any ways I meet interesting people- like today I sat next to a Science Teacher from the Manawal Pingalwara School- he was talking to me, and we had an interesting coversation on OBAMA! People out here find it soooooo crazy that America has elected a Black President- but Im all Joy!! :)
So I got to Manawal around 8:30am- meeting up with my Senior- Gulshan Ji- who is a MSW- he basically runs all the sites and is the single Social Worker for Pingalwara! I am learning new techniques from Gulshan Ji, and different ways to interact with patients. This experience is def. worth it!!! I couldn't have asked for more adventure and experience!
so Today i sat in the Male Ward counseling all the patients- some were lower functioning; but most were very comprensive- I met with Raj Sharma today- a Patient who is not mentally ill, infact He is 26 years old, and was working for an electric company 3 1/2 years ago- he fell from a pole, and lost all feeling in his lower body- leaving him paralyzed. His parents didn't want anything to do with him, and dumped him in Pingalwara- the most encouraging part of his whole experince is that he doesn't blame anyone- yes he is depressed, and has some suicidal thoughts- but still he is not angry at his family or friends. He passes his time in the male ward with many mentally challenged patients- and paints. I couldn't beleive the in depth work he has put into his paintings. Raj has promised to make me a painting- oh I forgot to mention that Raj only paints different forms of religious beings. He strongly believes in his hindu god, Shiv ji; and mostly paints Shiv Ji, also Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Jesus, etc..
I also took a child who is Mentally Retarded to the Sensory Room- we played with the different lights and forms of music- to see what type of brain stimiulation he gets- then we went into the sensory play room which contains differnt toys of touch, feel, smell etc.. We really had a great time throwing things at each other- I took some videos- and will surely post them soon!
okay- so its getting late- and I have to walk back to my Hotel now- so See Ya All later!!
I Promise to post some pictures REALLY SOON!!!
Okay a Mouse just ran up the wall infront of my Computer- therefore i am signing out- cuz im a deathly afraid of it...
Yikes!
So I got to Manawal around 8:30am- meeting up with my Senior- Gulshan Ji- who is a MSW- he basically runs all the sites and is the single Social Worker for Pingalwara! I am learning new techniques from Gulshan Ji, and different ways to interact with patients. This experience is def. worth it!!! I couldn't have asked for more adventure and experience!
so Today i sat in the Male Ward counseling all the patients- some were lower functioning; but most were very comprensive- I met with Raj Sharma today- a Patient who is not mentally ill, infact He is 26 years old, and was working for an electric company 3 1/2 years ago- he fell from a pole, and lost all feeling in his lower body- leaving him paralyzed. His parents didn't want anything to do with him, and dumped him in Pingalwara- the most encouraging part of his whole experince is that he doesn't blame anyone- yes he is depressed, and has some suicidal thoughts- but still he is not angry at his family or friends. He passes his time in the male ward with many mentally challenged patients- and paints. I couldn't beleive the in depth work he has put into his paintings. Raj has promised to make me a painting- oh I forgot to mention that Raj only paints different forms of religious beings. He strongly believes in his hindu god, Shiv ji; and mostly paints Shiv Ji, also Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Jesus, etc..
I also took a child who is Mentally Retarded to the Sensory Room- we played with the different lights and forms of music- to see what type of brain stimiulation he gets- then we went into the sensory play room which contains differnt toys of touch, feel, smell etc.. We really had a great time throwing things at each other- I took some videos- and will surely post them soon!
okay- so its getting late- and I have to walk back to my Hotel now- so See Ya All later!!
I Promise to post some pictures REALLY SOON!!!
Okay a Mouse just ran up the wall infront of my Computer- therefore i am signing out- cuz im a deathly afraid of it...
Yikes!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Pingalwara day 2
2 nd day at Pingalwara- well my first day consisted of individually meeting with the patients from ward no. 1; and so forth today with ward no. 2. out of both wards- I have chosen 11 patients- all who are classified Mentally retarded. The two wards combined had aprox 40 patients- many of which did not speak, repeated back to me what I said, some when asked "is it day or night?" most mos most of them replied "NIGHT" - at one point I started to doubt myself- maybe it really is night- but no no no its day, its bright blue out! The next question which was being asked was "what color sweater am I wearing?" and each replied, blue, pink, green, orange- but only those 11 patients actually replied the correct color- YELLOW!
Finally those 11 patients were pulled out of he wards and we sat under a tree in the sunlight- and we talked. Well mainly i was trying to break the ice with some simple warm ups. At no point did i feel frustrated or irritated- I know very well what type of population I am dealing with. We went around the circle and each patient was asked the same question, we went around three times- the patients who were able to answer three questions were the ones I choose. Finally i choose 6 patients- Lukhbir, Shanti, Kancham, Satwant Kaur, Farida and Tari. These 6 patients are going to be my project for the next few months. We are going to see how much brain stimulation we can get going- what activities we are able to do, and possibly put on a show or skit.
Later- I said with Renowned Dr. Naki- helping him visit with other patients of the numerous wards- Dr. Naki does the patients medical checkup, prescribes medications etc.. Today even Dr.Naki was stunned to see a particular patient. This patient had boils all over her body- as per Dr.Naki "This patient is a Text Book Case!" this patient had, small, medium, large, extra large boils all over her body, from head to toe. You could barely make out he color of her skin, or even her features. This disease according to Dr. Naki is called Neuro Fybro Mytosis; a Tumor of he nerve endings.
Read for More... tomo!
Finally those 11 patients were pulled out of he wards and we sat under a tree in the sunlight- and we talked. Well mainly i was trying to break the ice with some simple warm ups. At no point did i feel frustrated or irritated- I know very well what type of population I am dealing with. We went around the circle and each patient was asked the same question, we went around three times- the patients who were able to answer three questions were the ones I choose. Finally i choose 6 patients- Lukhbir, Shanti, Kancham, Satwant Kaur, Farida and Tari. These 6 patients are going to be my project for the next few months. We are going to see how much brain stimulation we can get going- what activities we are able to do, and possibly put on a show or skit.
Later- I said with Renowned Dr. Naki- helping him visit with other patients of the numerous wards- Dr. Naki does the patients medical checkup, prescribes medications etc.. Today even Dr.Naki was stunned to see a particular patient. This patient had boils all over her body- as per Dr.Naki "This patient is a Text Book Case!" this patient had, small, medium, large, extra large boils all over her body, from head to toe. You could barely make out he color of her skin, or even her features. This disease according to Dr. Naki is called Neuro Fybro Mytosis; a Tumor of he nerve endings.
Read for More... tomo!
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Welcome to India...
Welcome to India, Rubina... Coming to India is a new experience in itself...well its fun and boring at times. Fun because i get to spend alot of time with family and friends who i have not seen in ages; you can imagine how that is. especially all the family parties, food, dancing, and dressing up. For those of you on Facebook you have already seen that. Regarding the boring part- well we come to india with alot of hopes- or at least i did, and its dishearting when nothing is being accomplished- mainly becuase people in punjab are lazy! well also because i have no idea where i am going, whom to talk with, and where to get items and get to places i need. Its annoying! but my hotel is right next to Darbar Saahib- GOLDEN TEMPLE- which is the best part of all. i walk to the golden temple daily and sit and listen to prayers. Its actually interesting...I do forget to carry my camera places- which is bad on my part. YIKES- Sorry Aman! hehehe :)
Okay well I start my work at Pingalwara tomo morning- which for me is VERY EXCITING- i finally get to make a differnce. I visiting pingalwara- (again forgetting to take my cam) and was shocked at how beautiful it is. beautiful in the sense that its clean, and people are so friendly, the patients are absol amazing!
My weekends consist of visiting Batala-grandma, and uncles and aunts, or going to Jalandhar- visiting other relatives. I have been in delhi most of the time- therefore don't plan to head that way anytime soon- but def have the most fun out there. But i have to keep in mind- that having fun is not the purpose of my trip!!!!!
STAY ON TRACK RUBINA!!! :)
okay- well its a rainy day, and well prob best for me to go and walk the streets of Amritsar to make my self familiar with the area im living in.
Yes I DO MISS AMAN- it does get lonely- and well i am making the best of it!
Thanks everone for your Lovely Birthday wishes on Facebook- I truly had a great bday! I will try to post the pics asap!
Lots of Love-
Rubina :)
Okay well I start my work at Pingalwara tomo morning- which for me is VERY EXCITING- i finally get to make a differnce. I visiting pingalwara- (again forgetting to take my cam) and was shocked at how beautiful it is. beautiful in the sense that its clean, and people are so friendly, the patients are absol amazing!
My weekends consist of visiting Batala-grandma, and uncles and aunts, or going to Jalandhar- visiting other relatives. I have been in delhi most of the time- therefore don't plan to head that way anytime soon- but def have the most fun out there. But i have to keep in mind- that having fun is not the purpose of my trip!!!!!
STAY ON TRACK RUBINA!!! :)
okay- well its a rainy day, and well prob best for me to go and walk the streets of Amritsar to make my self familiar with the area im living in.
Yes I DO MISS AMAN- it does get lonely- and well i am making the best of it!
Thanks everone for your Lovely Birthday wishes on Facebook- I truly had a great bday! I will try to post the pics asap!
Lots of Love-
Rubina :)
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