A rash
I remember today why I love medicine, Why I chose this life, Which regularly has me questioning my own sanity. On my last week of 3rd year. In dermatology [an unexpected spot for insight]. Though to call it medicine, Without hesitation is a misnomer – I prefer the social[slash]medicinal side of things, Which rarely, though […]
It is.
“It is stage 4” is too difficult to say. His blue eyes look yearningly into those of his patient. “I can’t really help you”, he is trying to say. But not; his words speak of probability, outcomes, options. Indirect, vague. Struggle. The pelvic MRI: mashed potatoes. The cancer in our patient’s rectum reaching into bladder, […]
Toe Nails
Elephantitis of the legs, Lymphostatic ballooning. Your protein filled, fluid logged limbs Are too heavy for your frame, Too massive for a guy. Early 30’s. The pain in those legs, Doppler’s don’t begin to explain. Rule out DVT, sure. But to cancel the shame, the guilt, A therapeutic dose would be nice. Revealing your feet, […]
Pain tolerance
This painting is from my rural rotation this summer. The first patient I saw during the elective was an individual with a partially ruptured Achilles tendon. S/he thought they had sprained their ankle and had been limping around for 3 days before coming in! Talk about pain tolerance..