Indexing Title: BCDEVEZA’s Medical Anecdotal Report [ 06 – 7]
MAR Title: Gratitude Through A Pillow
Date of Medical Observation: July 2006
Narration
Let me deviate from the usual stories that we hear during our medical anecdotal reporting. Instead, let me share something that is heartwarming and perhaps makes the lighter side of our profession.
L.R., a 49-year-old female was diagnosed with Sigmoid Adenocarcinoma. She underwent sigmoidectomy.A part of the pre-operative preparation was to do bowel prep by means of a saline enema. I was assigned to do the procedure. As what I usually do, I explained to the patient the reason why I have to do such and how I am going to do it. The patient admitted that it was her first time to undergo such procedure. Jokingly, I told her that it was also my first.I had no difficulty doing the bowel preparation since the patient was cooperative. She was very conversant and somehow, that helped me do it easily. Afterwards, I accompanied her back to the room. It was an hour before her operation. I assured her that everything would be fine. She was very thankful. Before I left, she told me to visit her after the operation. The operation went smoothly. On her first post-op day, I visited her and she was doing well. Her spirit was high at that time. As we were to end our conversation, I noticed something in her bed. It was something that I don’t usually see in a patient’s bed. There were 3 big pillows around her. I asked her why she had that and she said, “ Wala lang. Gusto ko lang may malambot na nakapaligid sa akin.” I jokingly asked her if I could have one and she said, “Sige, bago ako lumabas dito, ibibigay ko sa ‘yo yung isa.” I did not take that seriously. On the morning prior to her discharge, I was on duty. I was at the emergency room when someone approached me and tapped me at the back. “ Doktor, pinabibigay po ni Lilibeth,” she said. It was one of the pillows I saw in her bed. I was surprised. I got excited and so I opened it immediately and along with it were 2 pillow cases.
Insights (Physical, Psychosocial, Ethical) (Discovery, Stimulus, Reinforcements):
Gratitude, as defined in the Webster dictionary, means a thankful appreciation for favors received.
Every person has his own way of expressing gratitude towards another person. It can come in different forms, depending on the resources and the capabilities the person has. Sometimes, we may receive unusual things. Still, there are times when we receive something that we need most. In whatever form it maybe, it all boils down to one thing. Gratitude can be expressed in the simplest way possible. It need not be expensive or loud.
All it has to take is sincerity and unselfishness. In that way, we can bring delight to a person’s heart.