In my field (Neuromuscular Medicine) the biggest pit in my stomach comes when I am doing an EMG for something otherwise non-concerning and it starts to look like ALS. I’ll catch myself going from talking and joking with the patient to not talking at all and adding on more body parts to the test, which tends to confuse the patient. For example I’ll be checking the leg for weakness with pulling the toes up and I’ll then have to test the arm, muscles by the spine in the back, and sometimes the tongue.
When the patient asks why I am testing so many body parts, I have to tell them that I’m concerned about a disease that impacts the nerves that move the muscles. I try not to use the word “ALS” at this time because more confirmatory testing needs to take place before confirming a diagnosis.
It reminds me of a quote that I won’t get exactly right but you’ll get the idea.
“Each physician carries with them a tiny graveyard, where, every now and then, they go to pray.”
For anyone considering becoming a physician, please know that you’ll care so deeply about so many people while being told by the public that you do not. This job was absolutely the right choice for me, but cases like this take a toll that will wash over you in your most private moments.
If my rambling comment resonates with any other healthcare providers, or anyone for that matter, please consider seeing a therapist. Many of us don’t recognize how much we are suppressing until we look inward.
Sorry for the long comment that got off track a bit. Please take care of yourselves.
When the patient asks why I am testing so many body parts, I have to tell them that I’m concerned about a disease that impacts the nerves that move the muscles. I try not to use the word “ALS” at this time because more confirmatory testing needs to take place before confirming a diagnosis.
It reminds me of a quote that I won’t get exactly right but you’ll get the idea.
“Each physician carries with them a tiny graveyard, where, every now and then, they go to pray.”
For anyone considering becoming a physician, please know that you’ll care so deeply about so many people while being told by the public that you do not. This job was absolutely the right choice for me, but cases like this take a toll that will wash over you in your most private moments.
If my rambling comment resonates with any other healthcare providers, or anyone for that matter, please consider seeing a therapist. Many of us don’t recognize how much we are suppressing until we look inward.
Sorry for the long comment that got off track a bit. Please take care of yourselves.