Happy News

The type 1 Diabetic I mentioned in A Strange Interview married that guy.I was specially invited for that marriage. It was on a working day and I excused myself.Send a greetings instead. I had 2 reasons for not attending the marriage. The obvious reason is I was busy as all doctors are. The other reason which I thought is some thing entirely different.I am not sure it is correct. Going to a gathering where I am invited because I am the doc treating the bride's illness may highlight the fact of her illness among even those who do not know it. I did not want that.
The marriage was almost a year ago. 10 days ago she called saying her blood sugars are unusually high.I asked her to come and see me. There was nothing wrong on examination.Then I asked her about her menstrual periods. She is late by few days.As her periods were irregular how late she did not know. I asked for a Urine Pregnancy test. It was positive.Yes she was Pregnant. I was happy but also worried that from now onwards extra care have to be taken to ensure a normal pregnancy and delivery. Her HbA1c was 6.9, which is fairly good.I am hoping for an uneventful pregnancy.

Fasting Season

During the last week of August my out patients were mainly Muslims getting ready for traditional fasting during the month of Ramadan.As I was out of station also for some days my hands were full with patients.
Most of them are regular patients who wanted my guidance and approval before starting fasting. They want their blood sugar,Cholesterol and Blood pressure checked. They wanted my advise regarding timing of medication. As they fast from day break to Sunset medicines have to be taken late evening and early morning. Most of them are happy when I tell them they can fast. Some sick old people who may not be able to with stand fasting have to be told no. Some times they insist and then I will say try for few days, and if you feel sick stop.
Some patients I see only just before fasting season. They will be Diabetic or having high blood pressure. They never come for follow up visits even though they are taking medicines. They come during this time because they also want a reassurance that they can fast.Their face will show guilt as I ask where were you all this time. After hearing my lecture regarding the importance of frequent blood testing and follow up visits some may change their habits. But many in this group I am sure will come only next year.
From the experience of last 10 years I know that I cant change everybody.

A mood elevating patient

It was Monday,the beginning of a busy week. My mood as I entered my consulting room was not good.May be the morning blues.Or depressed thinking about a week full of work ahead.
First 2 patients came in and went out.My mood remained the same.
Then walked in[or literally carried in by his son] a retired school teacher.He is above 80. He is a regular patient of mine for last 4 years.He is suffering from Type 2 Diabetes,Benign prostatic enlargement,Osteoarthritis etc etc. Regularly he becomes sick when I am out of station. This time it happened again. He tried to contact me for a trivial cold. He could not as I was away for a week.This made him restless.His sleep was reduced.Then he started running a temperature.The son took him to another doc the next day. Medicines were prescribed.The symptoms were reduced but he was not satisfied.
He held my hand and told me he is so happy seeing me. He said he do not feel good.There is no appetite or sleep. He was afraid he will die before I came back.The son remarked that the illness actually started when his Dad heard I am out of station and now he will become all right soon.
I examined him and then reassured him that he is only having a mild cold.I also told him I won't go anywhere next 2 months. He did not leave my hand for a long time.

The faith and love that the old man had for me made me happy and I began smiling again.My blues were forgotten.