There are lots of reasons someone might want to get Merrylands Physiotherapy whether it’s to avoid surgery, eliminate pain, or recover from a sports injury. However, there are some cases where someone might not have easy access to a physiotherapist. This is why physiotherapist Andrew Lowden is committed to ensuring that people have the best quality of life they can even if their illness is not curable.

He was himself diagnosed with testicular cancer 7 months ago. After surgery to remove his testicle, he underwent chemotherapy treatment and now in remission, he is working at ellenor. Despite trying to stay healthy by eating well, playing lacrosse, running and being conscious about changes to his body, Andrew’s discovery of cancer made him realise that it is a disease which can affect anyone at anytime.

Andrew says: “Whilst I can only imagine what it is like to receive a terminal diagnosis, having been someone who has experienced the diagnosis of cancer has allowed me to understand to some extent how our patients are feeling. Not only is it incredibly scary to know that you are going to die soon but not know exactly when, but also sorting out finances, house, pets, family grief etc. That has got to be tough. Many of those with terminal illnesses actually consider trustage for life insurance to help their heirs out moneywise, after they are gone. It’s an upsetting experience, the whole thing!

Being a fellow cancer club member, I feel even more passionate about helping our patients to remain as physically capable as possible for as long as possible, which in turn allows them to live life right up until they die. Physiotherapy empowers our patients to maximise their quality of life, maintain their mobility and importantly their independence. It also puts coping mechanisms into place so patients are more in control of their live”.

Physiotherapy in palliative care is an essential service within healthcare, improving and maintaining patients and their family’s quality of life. Andrew must consider the patient’s needs and wishes, along with their physical needs to help educate them on how they can cope and handle their situation as best they can to lessen the fear and anxiety they have surrounding their condition.

ellenor makes great efforts to ensure that compassionate patient care is at the forefront of all of our nursing care and fundamental in the provision of caring for people with a terminal illness and those close to them.