28/03/2024
Holy Week Musing
TL;DR (Too Long; Didn't Read)
Last week, I received a message from a patient, thanking me for the help. Reading his message gave me chills.
Mr. EV, a carpenter from Laguna, developed a severe reaction to a pain reliever prescribed by another doctor. He immediately sought consultation at a nearby clinic and was advised admission. Unfortunately, there were no government hospitals near his residence, so he had to travel all the way to Manila, only to be refused admission by several government hospitals.
At this point, he had already spent a considerable amount of money on workups, and as a last-ditch effort, he came to our hospital (CGHMC). Unfortunately, due to financial constraints, we decided not to proceed with admission at our hospital. However, I prescribed him the necessary oral medications and listed all warning signs to observe at home. We also consulted an ophthalmologist for his eye symptoms.
After a week, I received his message of gratitude. The following day, I saw Mr. EV re-energized and no longer wheelchair-bound. What seemed like a very routine consultation to me meant the world to Mr. EV.
As dermatologists, we may sometimes be viewed as only treating conditions that are skin-deep. However, a true dermatologist must be ready to manage potentially life-threatening conditions such as in this case - Steven Johnson Syndrome.
For a moment, I was able to use my training to help someone. I hope we all get a chance to become God’s little instruments one day.
Hope we all have a blessed Holy Week
Doc MR
Shameless plug, clinic resumes on April 1, Monday.
