Friday is clinic day for Dr. Fracture and I. We see a mix of new injuries, post operative patients and long term follow up care. It's a mix of young and old, complicated and straightforward all combined with a little whining.
Today I had the pleasure of seeing a delightful elderly patient and the patient's spouse. They clearly have been together for a long time and their conversation included love, teasing and reminding each other of forgotten details.
I checked the patient's X-ray and pronounced the fracture to be "doing well." The patient noted that indeed, the fracture was feeling pretty good, but that there were several other aches and pains causing trouble.
My patient registered a look of shock when I explained that these aches were common as the body ages.
I suggested that they might consider calling the primary care doctor to find out what could be done to relieve the symptoms. (We don't manage these types of common aches and pains...surgery just doesn't fix everything.)
Well, our patient's hearing wasn't perfect so the spouse had to repeat what I said.
The spouse spoke loudly and said, "She said our Doctor could try some MORE THINGS to help with your pain!"
The patient replied, "MORPHINE? I don't know that I need that. Seems kind of strong!"
"Naw, she said MORE THINGS!" Said the spouse.
"OH, I thought morphine was a bit much...I've had enough of that."
Well, we set the record straight and the cute little couple left to make an appointment with their family doctor. He was carrying her purse, looking dapper in his hat and smiling.
Some days its not just the satisfaction of seeing bones heal that make the job satisfying.
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