I had a chat the other day with a patient who’s been with us for over 2 weeks now. He’s had ups and downs since his surgery, compounded by the fact that he has severe interstitial lung disease.
He was looking better so I was happy to say, “You look good today!” He replied with, “Yea! But what you don’t see is that I’m a broken person on the inside.” Too much talking takes his breath away so he went quiet and started writing in his notebook. I let him write in peace and a few minutes later he handed me what he had written. A list of nearly 10 other medical issues (that we already knew of course) currently affecting him and his quality of life. A reminder that every patient’s story and definition of “doing better” is always more intricate than the current issue at hand.
This man is a palliative patient. He knows his condition is end-stage and will continually worsen over time, which made it even more heart touching to hear him say he was fighting to stay with his family and grand daughters. How much of an inspiration your loved ones can be…
lovelostgunfire
February 2, 2013 at 3:01 PM
Why isn’t there a Twitter button? I’d love to share your stuff via Twitter
Sandra Nguy
February 2, 2013 at 8:34 PM
Aw, thanks dear! I have added the Twitter button just for you! <3
lovelostgunfire
February 12, 2013 at 3:26 PM
Hah, yes! Thank you