Thursday, February 19, 2009

Any Ideas???

Dear Rubina Bedi Blog Followers-

I need your help! I have a task which needs to be completed before I leave India.
I need to come up with a plan to change the wards for my Mentally Challenged Patients.
here is the PROBLEM: It needs to be LOW BUDGET, as well as Comprehensive for my Patients. Keep in mind these patients are very low functioning. My Patients sit around in the sun all day, sleeping and doing hardly anything. They need some sort of Activity.
here are some of my ideas: Please ENHANCE

-Wards to be painted in diff colors to add brightness
-Activities: Puzzles, Coloring Books, Drawing, for Educated patients-reading material,
-games
-music
-prizes for best behaved, dressed, for helping sewadars etc..
-Competitions
-Acting Class
-Dance Class
-Performances
-Sports- Badminton

Once it is decided on what to do, we will hire a few girls and train them on how to keep these patients active. Our Patients sit around doing NOTHING, causing their brains to rot, and limbs to stiffen. Its very sad to see these patients just sitting around laying in the sun.

PLEASE HELP WITH YOUR IDEAS!!

Best wishes, and Regards,
Rubina Bedi

Savarna

Savarna is a 75 yo Female, who worked for Pingalwara all her life. Her Husband died many years ago. Savarna lived with her Son, Daughter in law, and Grand daughter. Savarna's Son passed away aprox 12 years ago, her daughter in law re marrying and leaving her child behind. Savarna raised her grand daughter all alone. Now Savarna is unable to care for herself and grand daughter. Beeji (Dr. Inderjeet Kaur) offered Savarna a place in one of the wards, and her Grand Daughter is now living in Manawala, going to school, and living in the girls hostel.

Kamal Kumari

Kamal Kumari is 46 yo Female, who was brought to Pingalwara through the Organization that she was living with for the past 15 years.

Pts Parents died many years ago, and she was Adopted by her School Principal. Pt is an educated woman, who was a School Teacher at an Air force School, pts Degree (MAB ED). Pt was Married at age 26; and due to not being able to have any children her in laws and husband found reason for divorce. After her divorce she started to live alone, because her adoptive family did not support her. Pt started to rent a room and worked part time. Pt reports, she started feeling depressed and lonely at this time.

One Fine day, she decided to go meet a Friend in Hoshiarpur- at the bus stand she was offered ice cream by some random woman, which she refused numerous times. Pt doesn't remember what happened after that, all she recalls is that she fainted. The next morning when she came into consciousness, she found herself in a Mental Hospital; Where she stayed for 1 year. Then she was sent to Sahara Short Stay Home in Amritsar (on Majitha rd, Near Madan Hospital). Pt stayed there for 14 years, when one day while the head warden was out on a 3 month leave, the other wardens kicked her out and sent her to Pingalwara without her personal belongings. Pt reports that the girls at the short stay home were not getting along with her, and would fight with her for no reason.

Sahara Short Stay home was called, and we sent patient along with Rahul (Gulshan Sir's PA) to pick up her stuff, along with her 1.5 lakhs FD's.

Now Kamal Kumari is happily at Pingalwara, and soon we will put her to work to keep her busy. She is simply depressed with no paranoia.

CHURIYA

So Finally My Senior- Gulshan Sir has returned from MP- Gulshan Sir's Father Passed away, therefore he was out there dealing with his fathers final rites etc.. So Thank GOD he is back- Cuz it was getting kinda tiring dealing with all these patients by myself, and worse is the STAFF. They love it that he is gone- they take advantage of EVERYTHING-

Especially the warden at the Mata Metab Kaur Ward- This is the Female Ward in Amritsar City.

This warden thinks she can do whatever she wants - ARGH she drives me CRAZY!!!

So Gulshan Sir and I were making our rounds at the MMK ward, and we went upstairs to check on the wards upstairs- Gulshan Sir took one side, and I took another. As I was going around, this one patient came Running at me, screaming 'CHURIYA CHURIYA CHURIYA!!!" She saw my Gold Bangles and wanted them. So she grabbed them, and wouldn't let go of my arm, her other arm wrapped around my head, and she started pulling my hair.... Here I am thinking
"FANTASTIC- she is going to throw me off the roof, and no Sewadars around either to help me!!" so finally I pull my one hand loose and try to push her off of me, she finally let go of my bangles- but my hair was in her full grasp. Ok so no problem,
Thank God for Princeton House Behavioral Health- Handle with Care Training. Well I wasn't too concerned about myself as I didn't want to Hurt her. I mean come on, she is mentally challenged-
So I let her pull my hair, and I pushed into her, so she couldn't exactly pull very much, and then jerked my head away from her, while she scratched my neck.
So now i have this little cut on my neck and its bleeding, and I'm thinking, GREAT!!!!!
But Seriously, all she wanted were my Bangles.... and I had the Nerve to show them off and not give them to her.
So when I go back to Pingalwara I will take Bangles for her so she has some of her own! Maybe she won't jump me this time around!
:)

Rupinder Kaur/aka BHUTTO


Bhutto is a very special woman- she is 'Mentally Retarded' (and yes folks this is the politically correct way of saying it in India)- She is not the cleanest of my patients- she has major dandruff, and walks around and chases the other patients. our daily conversation consists of:
Bhutto: Saasssri Akal Madame
Rubina: Haan Bhutto, Ki haal hai tera?
Bhutto: Oh Maar di haii
Rubina: Kaun Mar Di Hai??
Bhutto: BUA
Rubina: Kaun Bua?
Bhutto: BUA, BUA MAR DI HAI!
Rubina: (Bua is the Warden)- Kyu Bua Mar Di Hai Tenu?
Bhutto: Mein Naandi Nahi!

Bhutto doesn't realize what she is saying, Usually she will say she won't eat food, because Bua hits her, which is not true. The warden of that Ward is the sweetest Nurse. Her Name is Kiran, and she takes care of her patients with alot of love and care.
This is pretty much our daily conversation- So many days I just humor her and go along with what she is saying... :)
Interesting Woman

Thursday, February 5, 2009

New Admissions

2/5/09
New Admission: Kamal Kumari a 46-47 yo female. Pts parents died many years ago, and was adopted by her school principal. Pt is well educated, MAB ED, a School Teacher- Speaks fluent English. Pt was married at the age of 26, due to not being able to have any children, patients husband divorced her. Since then patient claims to being severely depressed. Pt then started to live alone, and work. One day pt went to go visit her friend in Hushyarpur, and at the Bus Stand pt fell unconscious- when she came to consciousness pt found herself in a Mental Hospital. Pt was kept there for 1 year. After that transfered to Amritsar-to Sahara Short Stay Home. Pt stayed there for 14 years- and then was finally kicked out (unknown reasons). Pt was sent to Pingalwara.
I hope to get the patient the desired psychotropic meds to make her stable enough to start working somewhere in Pingalwara as a teacher possibly.

2nd New Admission:
Savarna: a 75 yr old female, who was a Sewadarni at Pingalwara all her life. Pt's son died 12 years ago, leaving behind his wife and daughter. Pt's daughter in law remarried leaving behind her child with Savarna. Savarna raised her grand daughter, until recently. Pt believes she is not capable of caring for herself and her grand daughter, therefore seeking help from Beeji (Dr. Inderjeet Kaur), who in turn has kept Savarna at Mata Metab Kaur Ward, and her Grand daughter is getting a full education at the Manawal Location and living in the girls hostel.

Pingalwara is truly a God Gifted Place.... If any of you (reading my posts) decided to come to Amritsar- DO VISIT PINGALWARA.... its a great place!

ACCIDENT CAUSER!!!

I AM OFFICIALLY AN ACCIDENT CAUSER!! I cause road accidents wherever I go...But todays was ESPECIALLY SPECIAL! I simply mind my own business out here in Amritsar, I listen to my Ipod to avoid unnecessary comments on the road side. Well today I wore a suit- PINK-GULABO...very pretty...simple...with a Pink Shawl... Of course I look VERY DIFFERENT from all the girls out here, but I can't help it. So any ways- I'm on my way to work- on a Rickshaw- AS USUAL- and these two guys on a motorcycle turn their heads to look at me.... and then BAM!
The motorcycle crashes into the car ahead of him!!!!
The guy on the back of the motorcycle yells- "WHAT THE HELL?" (in Punjabi of course) and the guy in the front yells back "YAAR THE GIRL ON THE RICKSHAW CAUSED IT!" lol
I couldn't help but laugh, and then they had the nerve to pull up next to my Rickshaw (of course after recollecting their hurt ego and get back on the motorcycle) and make more comments!
I JUST KEPT LISTENING TO MY IPOD and KEPT LAUGHING!!!!

A Similar Incident happened Yesterday- as I was walking back from Golden Temple to my hotel- I Encountered a DOG sitting on top of a rickshaw- and as a AUTO Rickshaw pulled near- the dog started to BARK at the Auto Driver!!! OF COURSE you had to be there.... but it was pretty funny- so of course, what did I do?.... Yes if you know me... you guessed it... I was laughing like a idiot on the street by myself at this DOG!!!

Okay Enough of my Funny Stories.... Back to WORK!! :o)

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Farida, Kulwant & Satnam

Fantastic! Today was an Amazing Day! Apart from it Being MY BABY BROTHERS BIRTHDAY- I had an AMAZING session with my group patients. Well okay so I lied a little.... it wasn't amazing...it was BLOW OUT CRAZY AMAZINGLY FANTASTIC!!! Today two of my patients had gone to the dentist, so we only had 5 opposed to our usual 7 (inc. our new patient Kulwant Kaur!) We did our usual... the group seemed a bit tired...especially since it was so sunny out today- we were peeling our shawls off! Farida kept singing to herself so I had to ask her to leave, but she wouldn't leave- and finally opened up. She started to cry and say " I WANT TO GO HOME!! I want to see my child and I just want to go home! Take me HOME!" i was able to understand this, but the problem is, HOW CAN WE SEND HER HOME??? When she arrived at Pingalwara she was beat up, all bashed up, head wounds, and tortured- BY HER HUSBAND! so how in the world do you send her home? She really is not fit to go home- SADLY!


Later they were all sent to their wards, and I kept behind Kulwant (New Pt), and Satnam. These are my two patients with the most comprehension. Kulwant as explained in one of my previous blogs was a Lawyer, and Satnam is a well educated woman. I really wanted to trigger friendship amongst them, so they have a companion throughout the day.


The three of us started to talk, and were able to understand where Kulwants Paranoia comes from. Kulwant is Paranoid of any MALE figure. She explained how her body is still pure, with the grace and protection of Guru Ram Das Ji, and that she has been molested many times but her colleagues. We were finally able to understand through her stories of where this all triggered, and how it continued throughout her life.

THE WOMAN NEEDED TREATMENT ALL THROUGHOUT HER LIFE- IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF she had some treatment early on, this woman could have been a phenomenal Lawyer!!!! (Kulwant has met with Indira Gandhi 3 times and worked with her!) I MEAN COME ON!!!!!
This reallllllly makes me mad! This poor woman is all ALONE!!!!

I am becoming very very very GOD FEARING....

Satnam was able to talk to her, and understand her.

Towards the end, I was able to see a New Friendship in the makings!!

GOD BLESS!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HARVEER...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HARVEER.... Today was in your name...
First I went to Golden Temple Early in the morning...just to wish you a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY... then I went to work... I bought Candy and Fruits and gave it out to ALL the Patients... and then I went to GOLDEN TEMPLE yet once again to Give Parshad in your name!
I have prayed for your LONG LIFE, HAPPINESS, GOOD HEALTH, GOOD VALUES, and SUCCESS for the Future! I have been offering the Parshad in your name to all my NEW FRIENDS in AMRITSAR! =]
I LOVE YOU HARVEER!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Kulwant Kaur-AKA Sheeda

A New patient had admitted herself to Pingalwara yesterday. I was assigned to do her Case History work up and Evaluate her and diagnose her. Pt is a 58 yo Indian Sikh Female, Unmarried, Lawyer. Pt has been depressed since her teenage years (18-19yo) while in school/college. Pt feels she is very sensitive to what anyone says- and therefore after practicing law for 1-2 years she left law. Her Family was not supportive of her educational background. Pt lived with Mother and 2 brothers along with their wives and children. After mothers death in 1995- pts brothers and their families would fight with patient to make her life HELL. Pt was forced to leave her home- and she started to live at the Darbar Sahib (Golden Temple). She is severely depressed, pt is unable to eat, sleep, or partake in any activties. Pt feels vulnerable, and unable to function. Pt is also very paranoid- in regards to any male ruining her image or challenging her character. Pt is very fearful of any male presence, therefore a female sewadarni must go with her to all doctors appointments etc.. This patient is VERY INTELLIGENT, and EDUCATED! My plan is to get her started on some psychotropic medications and possible have her join up with a group called SHAKTI- this group deals with WOMEN, especially those who have been harassed by their husbands, families etc.. This group is for women, to help them get back into the world.
Kulwant Kaur has lost her whole life to Depression and Paranoia- But if I can do anything about it, I want to see her working again- and its VERY POSSIBLE!!! I want her life to become meaningful ONCE AGAIN!!!! :o)
I Am very passionate about her- and she is willing to do whatever it takes, and whatever I say.
LETS ALL PRAY FOR KULWANT KAUR- All my patients need your prayers- and that's all I'M ASKING FOR!
Thanks for reading my Blog!

Shahida Sahib Gurdwara

Martyrdom of a Scholar (Baba Deep Singh)Gurdwara Shahid Baba Deep Singh, Dist. Amritsar :
The great Sikh scholar and martyr Baba Deep Singh was mortally wounded here. In 1762 the Afghan invader Ahmed Shah Abdali ordered the Golden Temple blown up and the Sacred Tank filled in. Baba Deep Singh the greatest Sikh scholar of his time took up the sword on a mission to restore the sanctity of the Golden Temple. He along with five thousand faithful Sikhs fought against the Muslim forces of Jahan Khan. Although heavily outnumbered the Sikhs fought bravely. Baba Deep Singh was fatally wounded in the neck(head cut off) but had vowed to die in the precincts of the Golden Temple. Although mortally wounded Baba Deep Singh was able to continue fighting, while carrying his head in one hand, until he was able to make his way to the Sacred Pool of the Golden Temple where he finally expired.
It is said- If you go to this gurdwara with a clean heart and with truly god in your mind- you will get anything you ask for. Last night I went to this Gurdwara- I Went and Asked for the Happiness of my Family and Friends- so GOD BLESS- Everyone!
:)

UPDATE: Baghwant Singh

Baghwant Singh is still at the Piara Singh Ward. He is recovering slowly. A medical check up has been done- pt is no longer in withdrawls. Although treatment wise= OTHER THAN MY Treatment= THERE IS NO TREATMENT!!!!! He is not being psychiatrically advised by any Doctor, or being given any therapy. He is basically just sitting around eating oranges, peeling peanuts, or laughing with the other patients. When we sit together and chat- a lot comes out- I give him a lot of lectures- and we even have come up with a plan on what he is going to do. But there really is NO HOPE for him.
at the end of our session- Baghwant wanted to know if it was possible for him to go out for a movie with his wife and kids- and that "Madame I will stay in contact with you over the phone!"
I sat there and was like "ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! What says that your not going to go and use drugs?!!!!!!!!!! I mean seriously- what do you think of me?!"
After that he understood that I was not going to let him take me for granted!!!!!
BLOODY FOOL!
:)

25 Things About My Trip To INDIA:

1. You ONLY give 10rs(=.25Cents) to travel by Rikshaw to any place in Amritsar.
2. Crystal Softies totally SUCK now... opposed to 8 years ago. (Esp. Flavor COOL MINT)
3. People cannot stop staring at ANYONE...especially a girl with RED STREAKS!
4. "Thank you???? Sorry!!!!!" These words do not EXIST !
5. I'm Sure I was REBORN because I went to this small Chat Place- And I SWEAR I have been there before- but it was my first time going to that area!!!
6. PUNJAB people are LAZY- the work they do in 1 day= I do in 1 Hour!!!!!
7. People in PUNJAB take Naps throughout the day- therefore can many times not get work done!
8. Sheeda Sahib Gurdwara is an AMAZING and Spiritual Place- You feel shivers while sitting there.
9. Batala??? Oops I have not been "HOME" for over 4 weeks.
10. Jalandhar is my new "HOME away from HOME!"
11. Jalandhar people EAT WAY TOO MUCH!!! (Who eats Shukar Malayii Praanti?)
12. Amritsar is a part of my life now... Big Part of my LIFE!
13. Sweety's Family are the sweetest- Aunty makes Delicious food, Uncle ji looks just like DAD, Harry gives me rides on his motorcycle, and Sweety is an AMAZING Friend... Always makes me feel so SPECIAL!
14. I MISS AMERICAN FOOD!!!!!!!!!
15. I MISS AMAN and MASTI MORE!!!
16. Life is very Chilllllll
17. Traffic is crazy... Fun to watch people fight on the road in regards to minor accidents.
18. RISHWAT!
19. Its fun to ride with 3 people on a Motorcycle-
20. People of India are very LOVING- sometimes too loving (FOOD WISE!)
21. Pingalwara is another WORLD!
22. Hospitals in Amritsar are very poorly maintained.
23. Professionals in India make nil. the Salary of a Doctor is aprox 20,000 rs per month!!!!!!!!!!!!!
24. I love PUNJAB!
25. I LOVE AMRITSAR!

Monday, February 2, 2009

SICK

Sorry Everyone for the Delayed Posts- and Lack of Blogs-
Last week I had falled Ill...and therefore did not go to work for two days- then the weekend came and I Left for Jalandhar- AKA Home!!!
Any ways- Im back to work now- More Juicy Juicy Posts to come. Many interesting things to talk about- especially an Update on Baghwant Singh!
Will Write more Tomo!!
:o)
Best wishes- Rubina =)~