Life's Lessons
I wrote a long blog a few days ago about a someone that I recently cared for in the ED. I have "stewed" about the story for several days because I am always fearful that an individual will realize that they were the topic of my blog. I try very hard to make the description different enough that no one could be identified, especially to themselves, but somehow I am never quite satisfied.
So today I realized that I needed to do something about my inertia, because a good point was being missed by not publishing this blog entry. Since my original post was written I have had several other situations arise that help to make my point. So here are the short and "you can't possibly ID" the patients stories that will still communicate my original idea.
A previously healthy young man came to the ED after a series of events that encouraged me to do a "CAT" scan of a portion of his body. It turned out that he had a very serious tumor that was likely cancer, but he would be left waiting for further tests to know for sure if it was cancer, and what his chances of survival were, if any. Frankly it did not look good for him.
Today in my state they are looking for the driver of a car who hit two little boys and left the scene. One boy was killed; the other is in critical condition in the children's hospital.
This afternoon a very young person arrived in the ED having a large heart attack. It is likely that this individual will also die because of the extent of the heart damage, and tonight there is a family sitting at that bedside watching machines maintain life.
Life can change in an instant; my job proves it to me all too often. Think about that before you spend one more day wasting your energy on anger at a loved one or worrying about things over which you have no control. Smile. Be kind. Tell someone you love them. Drive with care and attention. Take care of yourself.
Be well, Laurie
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Technorati Tags: life, balance, wellness
So today I realized that I needed to do something about my inertia, because a good point was being missed by not publishing this blog entry. Since my original post was written I have had several other situations arise that help to make my point. So here are the short and "you can't possibly ID" the patients stories that will still communicate my original idea.
A previously healthy young man came to the ED after a series of events that encouraged me to do a "CAT" scan of a portion of his body. It turned out that he had a very serious tumor that was likely cancer, but he would be left waiting for further tests to know for sure if it was cancer, and what his chances of survival were, if any. Frankly it did not look good for him.
Today in my state they are looking for the driver of a car who hit two little boys and left the scene. One boy was killed; the other is in critical condition in the children's hospital.
This afternoon a very young person arrived in the ED having a large heart attack. It is likely that this individual will also die because of the extent of the heart damage, and tonight there is a family sitting at that bedside watching machines maintain life.
Life can change in an instant; my job proves it to me all too often. Think about that before you spend one more day wasting your energy on anger at a loved one or worrying about things over which you have no control. Smile. Be kind. Tell someone you love them. Drive with care and attention. Take care of yourself.
Be well, Laurie
Related Topics:
Technorati Tags: life, balance, wellness
1 Comments:
I am here with you now Dr.
I guess those of us who are living with Hypertension are more "lurkers" than participants.
I have just arrived and will subscribe to your blog. I need help in understanding why I can't get my BP under control.
Thanks for being here.
Gary
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