Today's Ramblings

In the past few days I've had a lot of what we call in the medical business "end of life discussions." These are not easy discussions to have but are so important. It is amazing to watch as people and families transform their ideas about life and death when faced with a the reality of our mortality. There are funny, sad, beautiful things that happen each day I am at the hospital. I try to take a moment to realize the depth of my interactions when I can. As much as these discussions are hard it also makes me realize the importance of appreciating each day we have and finding the humor and fun in it.

It was the most beautiful day out and though I was a bit too tired to fully enjoy the day we did take a great walk in the neighborhood. There is always a silver lining to a dark cloud. One of my most favorite representations of this is the Movie UP! If you have not seen it get on it! It is so cute! And the message about life is pretty spot on.

Onward to Paradise Falls! 

I had to share the most absurd interaction I had recently. I was trying so hard to take this patient seriously and not laugh but it was too funny.


Patient B: "Doctor, I am worried about my heart. Do you think that 'rhythmia' is going to come back? Do you think it is ok for me to continue my herbal supplements and vitamins? Could that have caused my heart to have the abnormal rhythm?"
Me: "No, I am pretty sure that it was the PCP and ecstasy that you were using last night."
Patient B: "Are you SERIOUS? (looking at me like I have 8 heads.) PCP makes me calm like a baby."
Me: "No, I am absolutely sure that PCP does not make people calm. It makes them aggressive and may actually have contributed to the fight that you got yourself into that busted up your face."
Patient B: "Naw Doc, that's just my girlfriend."