萝莉社

In honor of , we are recognizing the incredible occupational therapists at 萝莉社 Jacksonville who serve patients with passion, purpose and possibility. One particular patient shares how occupational therapy helped him recover from an injury.

You Never Know What you鈥檙e Missing Till It鈥檚 Gone 鈥� a patient鈥檚 Story

Jonathan Brown was the victim of an act of random violence on Nov. 3, 2020. The results of a gunshot wound to his left upper arm unfortunately left Brown with nerve damage limiting the use of his forearm, wrist and hand due to a severely fractured humerus, or upper arm bone.

On Dec. 21, 2020, Brown underwent surgery at 萝莉社 Orthopaedic Surgery 鈥� Jacksonville, performed by Rene茅 Genova, MD to fixate his fracture. He was then referred to outpatient rehabilitation services at 萝莉社 Rehabilitation to start his long journey to recovery. Brown鈥檚 rehab continues to this day with Sarah Mersch, OTR/L, OTD, CHT, a board-certified hand therapist.

Mersch explained, 鈥淥ccupational therapy鈥檚 role in Mr. Brown鈥檚 recovery process is to assess his occupational strengths, limitations and barriers and engage in meaningful activities driven by personal values and interests. This process is all encompassing and includes aspects of the mind, body and spirit.鈥�

Mersch developed a patient-centered individual plan of care for Brown. Its goals are to minimize disability and maximize occupational performance in daily tasks in ways that are purposeful and meaningful.

The residual nerve damage from Brown鈥檚 injury severely affected his ability to use his left hand.

鈥淣erve injuries, when severe, can cause significant limitations to the use of our hands,鈥� Mersch stated. 鈥淧eople don鈥檛 realize how integral and truly precious it is to be able to use your hands until you lose that ability.鈥�

Simple tasks such as feeding, dressing or bathing yourself can become extremely taxing for persons with upper limb nerve damage.

鈥淚n the case of Mr. Brown, he may be unable to turn his forearm up or extend his wrist and fingers for months to years while his nerve recovers,鈥� said Mersch. 鈥淗e may require additional procedures and therapy to improve wrist and hand function.鈥�

Brown鈥檚 physical limitations make it nearly impossible for him to reach out, grasp and pick up objects. Instead, his wrist and fingers droop or drop. In order to improve grasp and release hand function, which is needed in almost every aspect of self-care and daily life, Mersch selected and fitted Mr. Brown with a custom ordered supportive brace.

Mersch explained,鈥淭he brace allows for Mr. Brown鈥檚 wrist to be positioned optimally in order to flex his fingers. It basically allows for a stronger and more efficient grip and release.鈥�

Brown expressed, 鈥淪ince this unexpected trauma and loss of full use of my left arm, it has changed my life in all aspects. I felt depressed and saddened due to this trauma, but having Ms. Sarah as my OT, I felt fully supported. She has my back, not only in rehabbing my arm, but also in listening to my concerns. It was her coaching that made me feel more of myself again.鈥�

Although he has a long road ahead, Brown is now able to take on his recovery journey with more confidence and positivity than before.

Mersch emphasized, 鈥淔rom the perspective of an OT, the ability to give hope, purpose and quality of life back to patients is all in a day鈥檚 work. The impact of the profession really changes the lives of those under their care. Though my interactions with patients are short, I know that what I do can have long-lasting, positive impacts on patients and their loved ones. This is the fulfillment I need in my career.鈥�

Visit 萝莉社HealthJax.org/rehabilitation-services to learn more about therapy services offered at 萝莉社 Jacksonville.