As doctors, we want to help people get better. But sometimes it’s more about what you want to do when. All of us have an inner barometer for things going right and wrong. The gut feeling is often correct. But many don’t listen to their gut or their body. These are the people who will take advice from several people and then do nothing.
Luckily the elderly man who came with hoarseness in September was someone who listened and took action.
Let me start from the beginning.
A sixty-year-old man came to me with hoarseness for two weeks(approximately) and no other symptoms.
He was a farmer by profession with no history of any addictions.
Laryngoscopy revealed a whitish patch over both his vocal cords.
One week of conservative management brought no improvement.
The patient was advised of further tests, including a biopsy.
The histopathological report of the biopsy revealed a fungal infection of the vocal cord. It was an Aspergillus infection. The patient received a loading dose of antifungal followed by oral antifungal for five weeks. The treatment is underway, and he is significantly better. The patient is happy with voice quality and is under follow-up weekly.
In many cases with a short duration of hoarseness and leukoplakia, conservative management is indicated. But that was a red signal when the patient didn’t get better with voice rest, steam, and appropriate medications.
As my daughter said on listening to me discuss this case with my hubby-
” Being a doctor seems to be like being a detective with very few clues. That’s the reason why you ask so many questions.”
If you plan to become a doctor or know someone who wants to be a doctor, asking all those questions will help you.Curiosity and the why, that’s what help us find answers.
But the real work starts with you.When you decide to work on “You.”
There’s simply no other way of living a healthy, happy life. Look inside. See what works,what makes you feel happy ,healthy,strong What keeps you feeling at peace?
Do more of that .
I like the analogy your daughter made. She is right, doctors need to ask a lot of question. What they also need to do is to actually listen to what the patient says, and sometimes even fill in the blanks of what he doesn’t say.
You are so very right. Listening is indeed a crucial part of clinical examination.
I love that as a doctor you are sharing stories to help us “follow our gut” instincts. This is so simple, yet very helpful. Thank you for what you do and for how you are sharing it with us.
Blessings,
Debi 🍂🍃🍁
Thanks Debi. Glad you liked it.