Having been in gen med ward for 2 weeks now, I can safely say that I have seen all there is to see…in terms of grotesqueness.
I have seen a patient’s watery brown stools, thick green sputum, frothy white sputum and mashed up lunch from someone else’s stomach.
I have no idea why these stuff don’t get to me…I had no aversion to it when I saw/smelt it and was able to digest (pun intended) it well.
Perhaps it is because I see it as part of the patient? Or maybe I should say, the patient comes first…all other stuff that comes out from them comes second and I try not to let it bother me so.
What I cannot stand is the fact that sometimes, we cannot do anything for our patients.
This patient in my ward is very old (80+) and has severe COPD secondary to smoking. Until admission, the patient was still smoking at least 10 sticks/day. Despite being SOB and getting all anxious about it, the patient refuses BiPAP, is not for resuscitation and since today, opted for the option of getting comfortable and reducing anxiety by having morphine, thus depressing respiratory system.
I guess sometimes when they reach the palliative stage; all we can do is hope and pray.
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2 comments:
HI DAV,
I too find it very difficult to step back with the whole treatment thing. I want to do everything I can for the patient, when sometimes they just want to be left alone. It is hard when we are so used to doing BIG assessments and treatments. I guess sometimes we have to sit back and let life take its course. Even writing that gives me an upset stomach!! I used to think just walking and coughing my patients wasn’t enough, especially if there wasn’t a big, NOTICIBLE change. And DBE’s for a treatment…well, sometimes that is all we CAN do. They really DO make a difference (maybe not incentive spirometers those silly DR’s swear by) or all hospitals would be filled with pneumonia +++. I have a feeling you are doing a super job giving your patients the best possible care there is at hand. You are not the only one utilising the power of prayer!
Hay Davina,
Although I don't always have the iron will that you seem too, I too am surprised about what I am able to see/ smell and not react. I know that it is sometimes hard to be positive, but I guess we do the best we can and that is all we have to offer our patients.
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