More than Just a Case

Back in 1999 I had to have major surgery. I’d never even spent the night in a hospital, so I was terrified. So terrified, in fact, that for three weeks prior to the event I was clenching my teeth in my sleep with such intensity that my dentist told me that I had caused hairline fractures in every tooth in my head. The day before the surgery I had to go in and get a routine EKG and have a chat with the anesthesiologist. While I was waiting I could hear the staff talking about this case or that case, and I thought, “I don’t want to be considered just a case. My very life is going to be in these people’s hands.”

When it was finally my turn, the anesthesiologist came in and we talked about allergies and medical history and all the usual doctor stuff. He was quite professional and polite, and extremely efficient. These are all qualities you want in a person who is going to knock you out. But I wanted something else. As he was about to leave, I said, “Wait! One more thing.” He came back in and he looked up from my chart for the first time. I said, “Hi. My name is Barb. I have people that love me. Okay? And I have bad habits and I get impatient and people don’t always get my sense of humor and…Oh, hell, I don’t know. I just want you to know I’m a person.” He got really quiet. He sat down. He looked me in the eyes, shook my hand and said, “Nice to meet you, Barb. I’m Mike.”

That night, I didn’t grind my teeth. And the next morning, the surgery went off without a hitch. So to all doctors out there: I know you’re busy. But it doesn’t take much. Just a little humanity.

(Image credit: blog.medicalcenterarlington.com)