1) Little things in life
I was doing a houseman ward round today. One of the patient is registered blind, has diabetes with chronic leg ulcers in both legs, and is incontinent. He did not expect to go home as due to safety issues tied to his blindness, other healthcare professionals have told him he will need to go to a nursing home.
When I broke the news to him that he will be going home, the smile on his face is priceless. His face slowly lit up, and for a moment I can imagine him as a young man once again, on the dancing floor swaying to the rhythm of reggae. Just because he is afro carribean haha. The first thing he said to me with a big smile on his face - 'I will have nice soft drink. I will be able to drink lots of different drinks! Orange juice, tea, coffee...'.
Oh the irony.. I can be sitting here, not lacking in any way, worrying about things that was and may not be. He on the other hand, although lacking, will be sitting in his nice couch drinking a cold glass of soft drink blissfully while listening to TV... Small things, big satisfaction. Happiness is really down to perspective and attitude towards life...
I need to tell him he can't have that much sweet drinks with diabetes.
2) Looking young
No shame. But I do think I look young. Thanks to being so tiny. Today I have been called tiny lady, young doctor, tiny doctor. Alas, looking youthful has many perks but even more downside in the healthcare industry. A topic which I will save for another day. The ward cleaner wins a penny for his thought - 'It will not be a problem next time. When you older, you look good. Because when you look young, you look good'. Thanks mate. I shall go home to celebrate with (a new found respect for) soft drink.
