The special patient of mine is going home. The patient was smiling, happy, physically stronger and in amazing spirits, as was the family. I've never been thanked so much in any patient interaction, I've never seen someone so grateful and happy, full of such eloquent praise for the team and what I did (even though my skills are really just limited to listening, H&Ps and the like).
There were so many powerful phrases I heard. "May God illuminate you." "God blessed your hands and gave you the wisdom to take care of me." I feel like what I saw was just an amazing turn of events as well, seeing this patient go from someone curled up in pain, to someone who could make eye contact with you, smile, eat, speak with you.
I have such a special place in my heart for people who need medical care and can't afford it. I'm so glad a system exists in place that can take care of such people, even if we cannot cure them.
One of the most powerful things a doctor can do is ease suffering.
I'm thankful for the way things turned out with this patient, and happy. These past few days will remain a part of me for a very long time.
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