A patient from Delhi, Mr V. came
to Panchkula to consult me for his fistula problem. He was operated few times
earlier at Delhi, and was quite perturbed due to this dreaded disease. I
examined him and analysed his MRI scan done a month ago.
He looked like a typical case of
complex fistula and required surgery. Since I was going on a vacation, I
recommended him to come back to Panchkula for surgery after 10 days. A day
before coming to Panchkula (Wednesday), Mr V. transferred (online) the whole
amount fixed for treatment in the hospital account. Next day (Thursday), Mr V.
came to Panchkula fully prepared for surgery. His MRI was repeated to confirm
the status of infection in the fistula.
On Thursday afternoon, the whole
surgical team (myself and my assistants) analysed the MRI in detail.
Surprisingly, the MRI didn’t correlated with the clinical symptoms and unlike
previous MRI, the recent MRI showed only non-specific findings. This prompted
me to re-evaluate the patient, Mr V. from ab-initio. The complete history was
taken down in detail, thorough clinical examination was done again and both MRI
(previous and the latest one) were analysed minutely.
After a detailed exercise of about
an hour, the diagnosis was changed ! The possibility of coccydynia (painful
tailbone) was kept as the first diagnosis and the diagnosis of fistula was pushed
back. Mr V. was assured that the problem of coccydynia would be resolved with
medicines, exercises and few precautions.
As is our routine working style
and protocol, not even once during this one hour, any of the distracting
thoughts came to our mind. Distracting thoughts like what will the patient and
his relatives think about our ‘wrong’ first diagnosis, sudden change of
treatment plans at last moment especially when the patient had come all the way
from Delhi etc etc. Only one thing guided the whole treatment plan- the patient’s
welfare. Rest everything- our ego, our reputation, preventing embarrassment etc-
didn’t bother us.
In spite of last minute
confusions and change in plan, the patient and his relatives seemed quite
happy. The avoidance of the imminent operation would perhaps make anyone cheerful.
They all thanked me profusely and went back to Delhi. On the same night, all
the charges deposited by the patient were transferred back to his account.
I was quite relieved and
satisfied with myself.
The patient messaged my Chief
Administrator, Mr Vikas, the next day “Thanks Vikas ji, you people are
really genuine people and working as a truly professional. I really appreciate
you people. Please convey my best wishes to the Doctor Sir for his future
endeavours. THIS IS FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART.”
When Vikas showed me this
message, I spontaneously responded that this whole exercise was not about Mr V.
at all. It was all about getting a sound sleep!
