Patient’s goals and realistic ways to stay productive

Doctor: “Perhaps you could tell me more about your daily routine, so we can see how demanding it is . Since I can’t see you in the office, walk me through a typical workday. For example, how many hours are you sitting versus moving around?” (Functional Assessment via Verbal Inquiry)

Mr. hendra: "It’s mostly a desk job, but the stress is high. By 2 PM, I feel like I’ve run a marathon.

I still teach online and occasionally in person. I enjoy it, but sitting too long and concentrating can be exhausting. Moreover, I feel exhausted after the lecture session. I can’t walk more than 500 meters”

Doctor: "I love that you’re still teaching. Maintaining that professional connection is so important for your mental well-being. But I want to address the way you feel. When you say sitting and concentrating becomes exhausting, what specifically do you feel in your legs or feet? Is it a rising numbness, or perhaps a burning sensation that starts to pull your focus away from your students?" 

Mr. Hendra: "It’s more of a heavy, tingling numbness. After about 40 minutes of an online lecture, I find I’m shifting in my chair constantly because I can’t get comfortable"

Doctor: "Since I’m looking at you through the camera, how about your sitting posture? Would you be comfortable adjusting your camera so I can see how you're sitting while teaching?" 

[The patient adjusts camera to show his sitting position] 

Doctor: “Thank you for adjusting the camera - that really helps me understand your situation better despite being online. I can see how this position might be putting extra strain on your legs. A few small adjustments could make a real difference to your comfort.”

Mr. Hendra: “How do I overcome this problem? 

Doctor: “It sounds like your main goal is to stay active in your teaching without feeling exhausted or limited -have I understood that correctly? What would a good outcome look like for you in the next few weeks?”

Mr,. Hendra: I want to improve the way I feel and continue my work”

Doctor: “Let’s look at a few ways we can support you-both in managing the symptoms and helping you maintain your teaching comfortably.”