Healthy Living

I am currently treating an 18 yr old patient with multiple sclerosis. The patient has been diagnosed since she was 11. She does have periods of remssion however, she is now unable to stand without upper limb support and cannot ambulate.

When I met this patient she was extremely bubbly and ourgoing. I didn't expect this knowing that she had such a progressive condition. I immediately admired this patient's enthusiasm. This experience made me feel extremely lucky and I couldn't believe how much I took for granted. I looked back on my experiences as a teenager and compared it to how she had spent her past few years.

We chatted a lot during the treatment session and she began to show me photos of her family and friends and tell me stories about her weekend. During this discussion she was talking about her night out clubbing and how she'd drunk a bottle of vodka before going out. Prior to this session her notes said that she promised to reduce her alcohol intake. I'm unsure whether the physiotherapy student had advised her to stop drinking or if she had said that she wanted to reduce the amount of alcohol. In the notes it mentioned that her family were worried about her drinking havits as they were worried that she would injure herself or that men would take advantage of her.

As physiotherapists we promote a healthy lifestyle. I am unsure when a problem like this becoumes our business or responsibility. Obviously I am concerned for this patient and her well being. Even though I want this patient to be safe and to optimise her rehabilitation I want her to life her own life. She has many impairments restricting her participation in activities that teenagers would enjoy doing. Life isn't easy for this patient and occasionally she has mood swings and becomes quite depressed. I have subtly mentioned that the amount she drinks ais a lot more than the average person and I have shared my concern but I haven't told her off like previous therapists. I don't think it is our place.

I would very interested to hear if anoyone has had a similar experience or has thoughts on the issue.