My patient looks sick--eyes glassy, cheeks flushed, and his voice an octave too low.
“Any cough?” I ask. Lord I don’t want what he’s got.
“Yes, just started...it hurts...from deep in my chest,” he rasps then demonstrates wetly, his hand about a yard from his mouth.
Oh yuck, that which he harbors now floats in my air...
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5 comments:
I always wondered how doctors cope with cold/flu patients... now I know you all cringe inwardly! I would too...
Just want to say I love your blog and the small glimpses into your medical world!
But I've been wondering - how did you decide on the number 55?
I feel your pain, Doc.
I've had kids cough in my face, wipe their nose on my pants and throw up in my lap. Nothing like "getting up close and personal" with your work.
Found you from a Boston Globe article. You speak the truth!
Now retired from health care, you help me remember when...
Cal: Cringe and cure, that's me for sure!
Oystein: I had heard of 55 word "flash fiction" and tried my hand at it as a writing exercise. I enjoyed the challenge--as I tend to write run-on sentences and overuse modifiers--and then the blog was born. I appreciate your support (and the medgadget nomination!)
Cil: And there's nothing like a sick kid to get Mom sick. That invariably is where I caught my colds thru the years.
C&S: I'm glad you came to visit--Renee Loth did a wonderful job on that article!
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