Periodically an experience hits you and forces you to stop in your tracks to pay attention. In my line of work, it hopefully and usually is an amazing diagnosis with life saving implications. I just had one of these experiences.
My 63 year old woman went to a Chicago hospital for repair of a knee cap fracture. Coincidentally, she was found with an abnormal heart rhythm. The consultant cardiologist found a "scar"in her heart but felt it wasn't anything concerning and a followup in a few months would be fine. Both patient and husband returned to my care and recited the happenings. Needless to say, that didn't sit well with me. There is no routine "scar"in the heart, especially in this scenario.
I always practice the motto, ""if you think of something, do it". I don't hesitate to question and challenge diagnoses or treatment plans, when they don't make sense. It is easy to rely others' medical conclusions and not rock the boat. "Well, the cardiologist said... or " the doctor must be right, so I don't have to do anything further". My suspicion was confirmed after I ordered additional testing. She just had two tumors removed from her heart, had one heart artery bypassed, and had an intraoperative electrical conversion of the abnormal heart rhythm two days ago at Evanston Hospital.
I felt incredible knowing I saved her from the 30% stroke risk and from a heart attack. I saw her with the anesthesiologist the evening before surgery. She told him that she has the implicit trust in me as a child has to a parent.
good health and happiness to all...
as a side-note, a few months ago I read a book by Navy Seal, Chris Kyle, the most noted sniper in military history. Most noteworthy has been his work with military vets suffering from post traumatic stress disorder. He was recently shot at a gun range helping a fellow military vet.
Let's not forget those who put their lives in danger to help others. We must learn and take their spirit to better our lives and those around us.
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