Index Title: RDELEON’s Medical Anecdotal Report [05-07] 

MAR Title: Hopya

Date of Observation: August 2005 

Narration 

We often hear people saying “simple things make me happy!” But how often do we see its real meaning? And how many people really mean it? 

I’ve seen it through the eyes of ND an 84/F who came in with a non healing wound on the right foot. She was diagnosed to have a Diabetic Foot Right and the plan was to do a Below the Knee Amputation (BKA).  The contemplated procedure was explained to the patient and to her relatives. Seeing her condition, we optimized and prepared her for the said procedure. 

On the night of her operation, I talked to her and explained again the procedure. As I was doing so, I saw the fright in her eyes and she was close to tears.  I heard her say “Ayaw ko pong maputulan ng paa!” 

I held her hand as gentle but firm as I can. I was hoping that through my touch, I can convey to her the urgency and the need for the operation. I uttered to her, “Hindi ko po kayo pababayaan!”  With that and the help of her daughters, we were able to convince her.  

She was very cooperative and quiet through out the operation. As we were performing the BKA, I learned that she just celebrated her 84^th birthday while she was in the ward.  It’s a pity that she wasn’t able to have a feast to celebrate her birthday and to top it all, she was not practically eating as much as she can because of her operation. 

The operation went well and the following morning she was transferred back to her room.  As I was doing my ward rounds, she greeted me with a smile.  I told her she can have her regular diet and added she can eat whatever she liked. I told her she can even celebrate her birthday if she wants to.   

She asked “Talaga doctor, pwede napo akong kumain?” 

“Opo, pwede na po! Ano po bang gusto nyong kainin?” I asked her. 

“Hopya! Paborito ko kasi yun!” She answered. 

Her daughter gave her hopya. As the piece of bread was handed to her, I saw the glow in her eyes and the joy in her face. She smiled at me. 

Its amazing how a piece of bread can make a person happy and I smiled back at her as her eats her hopya with gusto!

INSIGHT (Physical, Psychosocial, Ethical) (Discovery, Stimulus, Reinforcement) 

             There are two things that I would like to point out in this MAR. One is how we communicate and relate with our patients.  There are different means in communicating with our patients depending in their situations. One might need gentle and kindness in addressing their needs and the other might be handled with firm and toughness. Which ever the case maybe, we should emphasize the importance of our management. Emphasize to their feelings and treat them as we treat as our love ones. 

            As an individual, we should try to be as simple as we can. In this fast-phasing world wherein people try so hard to find happiness and success overlooking the simple joy of life. As simple as the smile of my patient which touches the heart and heals the soul of her doctor!