Occupational therapy ... Any experiences to share

[fabwheelie]

I'm just wondering what to expect from an occupational therapy appointment, anyone got any experience or advise? ...

I've had lupus almost 15 years and can't work as I had to be retire due to ill health. I think the occupational therapy may be to look at all aspects how lupus affects me. I'm pretty good at managing my symptoms pacing self doing some exercise etc, so not sure what they can really offer..

I think it may be new services offered to Lupus patients in my area and possibly has come since I've had physiotherapy appointments

[Ianrussell69]

Hi I went to o/p last yr they were very nice people they made me a support for both wrists and a splint for my right hand for when it’s very bad took about 45mins

[SH55]

I was sent last year to O.T. for general guidance. They supplied me with different wrists and hand supports (not all hugely useful but some were), exercises and lifestyle change advice. Really most of this I knew but it was nice to have someone listen.

[Sara_A]

I see a rheumatology OT and she looks at what affects me on a day to day basis. My hands and wrists are bad so she makes and supplies splints and any gadgets I might need like a grabber to pick things up if I can’t bend down. She also looks at fatigue and pacing etc.

Asks about how u manage with daily things in ur home like showering, cooking etc. They can also come out to ur home to do an assessment to see if any modifications need to be made to make things easier like grab rails etc

[Kevin53]

Definitely worth a try. Write down any thoughts that you get before you go. Best wishes Kevin

[chrisj]

Only ever seen one OT must be well over 15 years ago and she was very helpful. Gave me some relaxation sessions, suggested and gave me items to help with opening tins and jars, recommended a shop to buy equipment that she thought would be useful

She also asked if I'd like a walk in shower as I was struggling to get out of the bath. I said yes and she made all the arrangements. They did an excellent job, and it made such a difference to my life. I didnt need to ask for anything as she made all the suggestions based on the questions SHE asked me. Good luck xxx

[farmerfeste]

My ot gave me much advice on how live as near normal as possible and organised a stairlift and inflatable bath seat to help me in and out off bath gold star for her .

[johare]

My occ therapy nurse was lovely. Rather than working on physical aspects. We looked at pacing, what I needed to do each day and what could wait. Doing things in small bites, swopping activities. I learnt to look at things very differently.

[fabwheelie]

thanks for everyones advise. My appointment is in a few weeks so I think I'll note down things over the next few weeks about what I'm currently doing, and if I think there may be more help that would be useful to me