Welcome back, Bill
"Dr. Marks," my assistant started. "I have some bad news. One of your long-time favorite patients, Bill, just passed away. Here is his chart." Wow, I thought. I have known Bill for so long.
After I removed his prostate 15 years ago, we became friends. We even played golf together (though it was at that point that I think I decided that golf didn't like me as much as I liked it.). So Bill was dead. So sad. And so bad for his wife, Martha. What a nice lady. It must be tough for her right now. Okay, time to make one of those dreaded calls.
Ringing, ringing, ringing then a familiar male voice. "Bill?" I asked. "Yes, this is Bill," he responded. "This is Sheldon. I thought you were dead."
"Hmmm, I don't think so. Let me check. Martha, it's Sheldon on the phone. Am I dead?" "No, I don't think so. Yet." she called from far away. "No, Sheldon, I guess I am not dead. How are you?" "Well pretty good, now." So went my first conversation with the dead-but-not-yet.
Perhaps this is what it is like for psychics and mediums who routinely talk to people on the other side. But for Bill and I, it was just the other side of town. I guess a sort of trial run.
Today Bill came in for his annual check-up, and I must say, he looks pretty darn good for a guy who came back from the dead, even if only for a few moments in my office records. Once again, just another reason to enjoy every day as if it may be your last. Especially if you are one of my favorite patients.
Related Topics: 8 Summer Steps for Healthy Living, WebMD Video: Why Men Don't Go to the Doctor
Technorati Tags: men's health, prostate
After I removed his prostate 15 years ago, we became friends. We even played golf together (though it was at that point that I think I decided that golf didn't like me as much as I liked it.). So Bill was dead. So sad. And so bad for his wife, Martha. What a nice lady. It must be tough for her right now. Okay, time to make one of those dreaded calls.
Ringing, ringing, ringing then a familiar male voice. "Bill?" I asked. "Yes, this is Bill," he responded. "This is Sheldon. I thought you were dead."
"Hmmm, I don't think so. Let me check. Martha, it's Sheldon on the phone. Am I dead?" "No, I don't think so. Yet." she called from far away. "No, Sheldon, I guess I am not dead. How are you?" "Well pretty good, now." So went my first conversation with the dead-but-not-yet.
Perhaps this is what it is like for psychics and mediums who routinely talk to people on the other side. But for Bill and I, it was just the other side of town. I guess a sort of trial run.
Today Bill came in for his annual check-up, and I must say, he looks pretty darn good for a guy who came back from the dead, even if only for a few moments in my office records. Once again, just another reason to enjoy every day as if it may be your last. Especially if you are one of my favorite patients.
Related Topics: 8 Summer Steps for Healthy Living, WebMD Video: Why Men Don't Go to the Doctor
Technorati Tags: men's health, prostate
6 Comments:
Personally, I wish every day that I was dead so this doesn't apply.
I live in the UK and am fed up with the fact that, despite National Health Service guidelines stating that the patient is the arbiter of their treatment, only lip service is paid to them.
I suffer from chronic depression(4+ years), anxiety, back pain and diabetes. Lately I have asked that 2 tests be carried out to give me further information with respect to the diabetes and when my GP refused asked to be referred to a consultant. The consultant decided that he would not see me because my GP said that I was in control of my Diabetes.
This has had the effect of making me stop taking care of myself with respect to this condition, as I don't see why I should bother if they are only interested in seeing patients who are not in control.
I talked to a locum psychiatrist, my pyschiatrist was on holiday, who basically said he was not interested and that in his opinion I should pull myself together. Not his exact words but the impression I was left with.
Robert,
You may THINK you wish you were dead but you have to help your self get better. The fastest, least expensive thing I can think of (and I am 48 years old and have been interested in physical and mental health since my teenage years, so, althogh I am not a Dr., I do know a bit about this) is to MAKE yourself exercise every day to the point of "sweating it out" for 1 hour or so. Lifting weights is also very good for lifting the spirit, giving your self confidence, making you feel like you are doing something good for your self, etc. This is not a cure for your ailment, but it will make a definite improvement in your condition-probably more so than any medication a Dr. may prescribe. I bet if you do this AND get a prescription for some type of anti depressant you will feel MUCH better and hopefully feel like living again. I hope I have helped you.
Robert,
Anonymous is right...it is frightening to feel out of control of your mental and physical health, but you really do have the power to help yourself. Exercising, healthy eating, and positive thinking are all choices you can make every day to love yourself, and with proper medication for your pain, you will begin to feel stronger and more hopeful about life. Best wishes.
Robert,
I feel for you, but that isn't going to help you. I'm ignorant about the ideals in your country, but perhaps you could do a lot of indepth research to find a reasonable practioneer for help.
I know everyone is correct about exercise and it will help your diabetes, but I also think an issue is that your depression probably prevents you from taking the necessary steps. My Mom has lived with diabetes about 30 yrs, she doesn't exercise but takes a lot of vitamins/supplements, all on her own volition, did all her own nutritional research, is doing well. I lost 50 lbs on Atkins and lowered blood pressure and who knows what else, (I haven't been to a Dr. ever for a check up and I'm almost 53.) But knowing what to do and doing it are sometimes 2 different things. You have to find a reason to do it. One thing that would probably nudge me over the edge is the exacting knowledge that it CAN take A VERY LONG TIME to die and you can be VERY miserable so the alternative is to take steps to live better. Good luck, prayers, and all the best.
Besides all the benefits for you and your well being, do it to prove to these people that you can take charge of your life!! I have had Diabetes for 26 years and unfortunatly depression is easy for us to acquire and must be controled. By taking better care of your Diabetes, you will take better care of your depression. Read up at all the web sites you can find!! Good luck and Good Health!!
Dear Robert,
All of this advice about eating healthy & excercising is sound. I wish I could be perfect myself. I do not have diabetes, but was the caretaker for my brother who acquired juvenile diabetes after a sleding accident when he was 12, I was 8. He injured his pancreas & went into diabetic shock a few days later. All his life, he felt as if he would die early. He partied, drank, and used his insulin injection to modify glucose level. For many, many years I, and everyone else was oblivious to his depression. As we grew older, his early 30's, his eyesight went. He became legally blind. He could no longer work. Then, shortly after, his kidneys failed. For 2 years he survived on dialysis. I was not a match, but was very surprised that my husband would not have been supportive if I had been. I have 3 other brothers that wouldn't consider donating a kidney. This was surprising to me. Luckily, we found a cadaver(sp?) match. As time progressed, he continued to die, organ by organ. A quadruple bypass for his heart, lost both legs, eventually above his knees. A robust 5'7" person reduced to less than 90lb. His doctors explained to me that his denial of responsibility for his lifestyle was the main factor in his demise. He died 2 years ago, leaving 2 estranged wives & 4 children of his own. I was lucky to convince the children to come to the funeral. As he became sicker, he became less tolerant of everyone around him.
Do not imagine that he did not bring this on himself. He did not take care of his physical & mental health. Be very aware that all we can truly be responsible for our own actions.
I miss him very much.
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