Report of 30 Jan '08
Hello from the B -
Hope all are well. Good health is something I tremendously appreciate, esp after I see my mother with her disability. Her left knee is not functional, walking is horrendously painful and now her right knee has started to bother her too. My father is full-time caregiver, is not without physical complaints himself and they are needing to consider full-time help. Scott and I saw them on the 26th and it was lovely. My parents are the epitome of class and grace, in spite of all that has happened and is happening, and their senses of humor are truly awe-inspiring. We enjoyed their company and returned rejuvenated.
The visit was to observe the anniversary of my brother Manu's demise. Scott and I went to the cemetery, and I am usually loath to leave there. But we had to, and then Scott went to the temple of the Goddess Meenakshi. It is a famous temple, and we take it for granted when we visit as it is in my hometown, but Scott went and prayed and got peace of mind.
I had a non-Banyan patient at the B, a former staff member (and relative of current staff) who returned to be evaluated by me. I am always very honored when relatives of staff and patients seek medical attention from me, and I saw this young lady who has come from miles away. She's had disabling belly and back pain for 3 months, and has consequently lost verve, zeal and interest in life. I suspected kidney stones or ovarian cysts, and ordered an ultrasound; the report came yesterday and she has both. She has gone today to Sundaram Medical Foundation hospital for follow-up with one of my favorite doctors, and I tell you, it is thunderously rewarding when one's suspicion of an illness is founded. Very gratifying - whether the patient is impoverished or not.
So our mission at the B continues. One of our older patients, Ms. E, acted like she'd had a heart attack the other day: lost consciousness, tongue seemed blue, was tough to arouse. She came around a couple of minutes later, I ordered some blood work and yes, she's had a heart attack (myocardial infarction). We've started the appropriate medicines - aspirin, and medicine to slow her heart down a bit (beta-blocker) - and hope for the best. Ms. E is a delightful, grandmotherly type and the health care worker (hcw) in charge of the paatis' (grandmothers') room brought her to visit me yesterday. We had a good time laughing and chatting, and the hcw asked that Ms. E pray for me; Ms. E put her beautiful hand on me and did, and it was touching and lovely.
Navin was elected School Pupil Leader yesterday - similar to Student Government president or Head Boy. I went to listen to campaign speeches on Friday, and they were good. Navin promised soap in restrooms, and to coexist peacefully with his rivals whether he won or lost. Naren had also been nominated in his time and lost to a worthy opponent; he drew Navin's campaign posters and they were awesome. He is pleased that his brother won, and I mentioned that he was being gracious.
Ok, I'd better wind up. Someone else is waiting for this machine.
Unw -
R
Hope all are well. Good health is something I tremendously appreciate, esp after I see my mother with her disability. Her left knee is not functional, walking is horrendously painful and now her right knee has started to bother her too. My father is full-time caregiver, is not without physical complaints himself and they are needing to consider full-time help. Scott and I saw them on the 26th and it was lovely. My parents are the epitome of class and grace, in spite of all that has happened and is happening, and their senses of humor are truly awe-inspiring. We enjoyed their company and returned rejuvenated.
The visit was to observe the anniversary of my brother Manu's demise. Scott and I went to the cemetery, and I am usually loath to leave there. But we had to, and then Scott went to the temple of the Goddess Meenakshi. It is a famous temple, and we take it for granted when we visit as it is in my hometown, but Scott went and prayed and got peace of mind.
I had a non-Banyan patient at the B, a former staff member (and relative of current staff) who returned to be evaluated by me. I am always very honored when relatives of staff and patients seek medical attention from me, and I saw this young lady who has come from miles away. She's had disabling belly and back pain for 3 months, and has consequently lost verve, zeal and interest in life. I suspected kidney stones or ovarian cysts, and ordered an ultrasound; the report came yesterday and she has both. She has gone today to Sundaram Medical Foundation hospital for follow-up with one of my favorite doctors, and I tell you, it is thunderously rewarding when one's suspicion of an illness is founded. Very gratifying - whether the patient is impoverished or not.
So our mission at the B continues. One of our older patients, Ms. E, acted like she'd had a heart attack the other day: lost consciousness, tongue seemed blue, was tough to arouse. She came around a couple of minutes later, I ordered some blood work and yes, she's had a heart attack (myocardial infarction). We've started the appropriate medicines - aspirin, and medicine to slow her heart down a bit (beta-blocker) - and hope for the best. Ms. E is a delightful, grandmotherly type and the health care worker (hcw) in charge of the paatis' (grandmothers') room brought her to visit me yesterday. We had a good time laughing and chatting, and the hcw asked that Ms. E pray for me; Ms. E put her beautiful hand on me and did, and it was touching and lovely.
Navin was elected School Pupil Leader yesterday - similar to Student Government president or Head Boy. I went to listen to campaign speeches on Friday, and they were good. Navin promised soap in restrooms, and to coexist peacefully with his rivals whether he won or lost. Naren had also been nominated in his time and lost to a worthy opponent; he drew Navin's campaign posters and they were awesome. He is pleased that his brother won, and I mentioned that he was being gracious.
Ok, I'd better wind up. Someone else is waiting for this machine.
Unw -
R
posted by Renu Weiss at
11:15 PM
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