Tomorrow is my debut as a standarised patient. I have had the training (who knew acting actually requires skill?) and I have the scenario. I am playing a 41 year old ex-nurse with MS for medical students and student OTs. A bit nervous to be honest. Of course it isn't just acting as I am expected to have at least as much knowledge as the students and be able to give a realistic performance. I had to say no when the team suggested a catheter for realism! Has anyone else had any experiences like this? Tips would be useful.
I knew two people with MS briefly -- women about my own age. One was able to walk with stiff movement. She had a cheerful attitude, maybe from smoking weed, and she only talked about her condition a little to explain it to me, but didn't dwell on it. She smiled a lot. Her speech sounded dry, slowed down, and deliberate.
The other women was when I was older. She had difficulty walking, and could only do a little bit with braces or crutches. She lived with her mom, who adapted their house, so that she could do many activities like cooking, art work, studying and be comfortable. She was a theater manager and directer, and I interacted with her a lot during one pre-performance rehearsal season. I made most of the costumes, so I reported to her, and she was very much in control of her theater managerial skill set. She had difficulty talking, and a dry-sounding, slowed down speech pattern. It reminded me of a Texas drawl.
the catheter does go in through the tip - as Billy Connolly said 'FUCK THAT'
Had a friend die very slowly with MS; watched his 10 year decline from a vibrant intelligent man to an empty hollow husk of a human, bitter at what life had dealt and unable to end his life when he wished.
Well I hope I can do the condition justice.
@Amisja The stages appeared very different - my friend went through something like a self bereavement with denial, acceptance and eventually despair at his incapacity ... how you could convey this is beyond my comprehension ... but I hope you can make the students think
@Amisja wish you all the best - hope you are able to give a realistic performance and the role does not leave you emotionally drained