In the summer of 1985, I recall accompanying my grandmother to the doctor's office. My grandmother had complaints of mild chest discomfort, or at least that's how she described it then. I'm sure she meant periods of excruciating chest pain and sleepless nights. However, stoic as her generation was, even the thought of verbalizing physical symptoms felt like complaining. And complain they did not, no matter what.
So, doll in tow, unaware of the sombre occasion, I skipped happily as we made our way to the doctor. After a pretty long wait in a crowded waiting room, it was our turn. I entered the sanctuary (docs were respected too much back then :-) and was politely asked to sit on a wooden chair in the farthest corner of the room.
My grandmother practically whispered her symptoms to the doctor whose frown grew deeper by the second, and began his physical examination. He prescribed some medicines, assured her she was going to be just fine, live a long life too, and sent us on our way. As we made our exit, he whispered in my ear to me to get my mom to see him as soon as possible. As little as I was, I did not underestimate the gravity of his stern words.
My mother rushed to the doctor. She was told the sombre diagnosis. Grandmom needed more love, more attention and regular treatment. Long story short, my grandmother died in her early nineties, 20 years later. She took her medicines religiously, boasted of her good health to everybody she met, and lived a happy life not even remotely aware of her cardiac condition. Her devoted family took her side and contributed positively to her care and survival.
Alas, that world has passed so quickly much like my carefree childhood. I live in another time, another age, another reality where that scenario seems all too bizarre. Can ignorance really lead to bliss? Not anymore!
I consider myself fortunate to have had what many would consider the best academic and clinical preparation in the health care field. As a clinician, educator and administrator in a variety of different health care settings, I have seen things play out the way the big shots think they should. As a patient, I have experienced it and frankly, and sadly so, it has been different.
In today's world, knowledge is probably the one irreplaceable commodity that one needs in every aspect of life. The more, the better! Ignorance is disastrous! Ignorance kills!
Be smart. Be wise. We're going to learn together and help each other. You can make it work for you! That's my goal!
So, doll in tow, unaware of the sombre occasion, I skipped happily as we made our way to the doctor. After a pretty long wait in a crowded waiting room, it was our turn. I entered the sanctuary (docs were respected too much back then :-) and was politely asked to sit on a wooden chair in the farthest corner of the room.
My grandmother practically whispered her symptoms to the doctor whose frown grew deeper by the second, and began his physical examination. He prescribed some medicines, assured her she was going to be just fine, live a long life too, and sent us on our way. As we made our exit, he whispered in my ear to me to get my mom to see him as soon as possible. As little as I was, I did not underestimate the gravity of his stern words.
My mother rushed to the doctor. She was told the sombre diagnosis. Grandmom needed more love, more attention and regular treatment. Long story short, my grandmother died in her early nineties, 20 years later. She took her medicines religiously, boasted of her good health to everybody she met, and lived a happy life not even remotely aware of her cardiac condition. Her devoted family took her side and contributed positively to her care and survival.
Alas, that world has passed so quickly much like my carefree childhood. I live in another time, another age, another reality where that scenario seems all too bizarre. Can ignorance really lead to bliss? Not anymore!
I consider myself fortunate to have had what many would consider the best academic and clinical preparation in the health care field. As a clinician, educator and administrator in a variety of different health care settings, I have seen things play out the way the big shots think they should. As a patient, I have experienced it and frankly, and sadly so, it has been different.
In today's world, knowledge is probably the one irreplaceable commodity that one needs in every aspect of life. The more, the better! Ignorance is disastrous! Ignorance kills!
Be smart. Be wise. We're going to learn together and help each other. You can make it work for you! That's my goal!
Be well!
Anita
Picture: My grandmom with my daughter (her great-grand-daughter)
I love your post! This is a very important aspect of our lives and nothing can be more important than knowing that we can be educated and make wise choices. Thanks, JS
ReplyDeleteOh! I love this story! Are you from India?what a beautiful place, I have always wanted to visit India, the picture is great. And your style of writing is excellent..love it.
ReplyDeleteMark krigger