Česky
I am 29 years old and have been living with an inoperable brain tumor for ten years. The glioma is located on the brain stem and also affects the cerebellum, the so-called cerebellum. And so I suffer, among other things, from problems with balance and coordination on the right side of my body. I have had two surgeries, seven weeks of radiotherapy and have a VP shunt, a tube that drains excess cerebrospinal fluid from the brain into the abdominal cavity.
The stay at the Rehabilitation Hospital Beroun (RNB) was my first of this style. Residential, intensive. I know quite a bit about the hospital. My grandfather was there several times. And my brother had an internship at RNB when he was studying physiotherapy at university. I've known Beroun since I was a kid, my grandmother lives near there. My neurologist recommended the stay, so I decided to give it a try.
I'm not exactly a regular client for the Beroun hospital, you might think. Most of the patients are after hip or knee surgery, have back pain or other civilisation diseases. I was curious to see what RNB could offer me, and I went to the hospital with a bit of skepticism. My diagnosis is not very common, and so there is a lack of overwhelming statistics, data, and information on how to most effectively approach the patient. Fortunately, it was one big pleasant surprise.
On the first day I was put up in a lovely single room with a private bathroom, TV, coffee maker and fridge. After a basic initial tour, I headed off in the direction of the cafe. I noticed little Greek touches in both the decor of the dining room and the occasional meals served as part of the full board meal. A nice detail that definitely added to the pleasantness of the setting.
The next day my intense workout began. This included physiotherapy, occupational therapy, a gym, pool and water walkway. One of the things I appreciated is the staff's quick response to my needs and subsequent customization of the treatment plan. For example, the physiotherapist pointed out to me that the motomed I was using for my arms and legs was too simple for me, and I quickly switched to the exercise bike in the gym. This may seem like a small thing, but it certainly isn't. My time and energy are better used and I'm not wasting the efforts of physiotherapists or hospital funds. In addition, I have been asked regularly if everything is okay, if anything hurts and if I need anything. Although I use a wheelchair for long distances, I am a very independent and self-sufficient person who only needs help in very specific situations. The hospital staff understood the situation quite quickly and only offered help when I asked for it. I appreciate such an approach and social perception.
The rehabilitation also included a nice warm swimming pool. The jets in the jacuzzi were even so strong that they tore my swimsuit. I was pretty tired after the first day of rehab, but the good mood lasted, and not just because of the warm shower and good dinner. And so the stay, on the positive side, continued for two very nice weeks. And I left two kilos lighter (Despite all the cake I ate!), mentally refreshed, with more tricks to practice, a special French stick and new friends. I learned how to massage and stimulate my facial nerves, and how to hold my posture and body properly while walking. I improved my safe walking down stairs and learned how to engage my left hand more effectively.
"I learned how to massage and stimulate my facial nerves and how to hold my posture and body correctly when walking."
Well, was it any good at all? My health problem is really complex, so I didn't go into RNB with overly naive ideas. My brain tumor can't be trained or strengthened. So even those with years of experience and knowledge sometimes have no idea what the best course of action is. Beroun was no exception to this. I, however, appreciate the honesty, professionalism and overall kind approach. A big plus is definitely the willingness to communicate and the modern approach to the patient. Unfortunately, a small flaw was the last-minute cancellation of the foot massage. On the recommendation of the head nurse I decided to undergo my stay at RNB again in the autumn. This time for three whole weeks. So hopefully I'll get that dream massage. I'm looking forward to it.
Source: NÉA 13, Text and photo: Anna Beránková
