I love the challenge of Ivy's Six Sentence Stories, and I especially like trying to write a story based on true events. Some of you might remember this incident from a year ago when I went to help my mom. This week's prompt is "back."
She was a bundle of nerves--which was, of course, the problem. Her sciatica required surgery, and today was the day. She arrived at the hospital on time, paperwork in hand, and was quickly settled onto a gurney while the nurse went over the final preparations with her. Finally the appointed hour arrived, and the doctor entered her room.
"I'm so sorry, but I'm afraid I'm sick and won't be able to operate on you today. You'll have to come back next week."
Thanks for doctors who know their own limits.
She was a bundle of nerves--which was, of course, the problem. Her sciatica required surgery, and today was the day. She arrived at the hospital on time, paperwork in hand, and was quickly settled onto a gurney while the nurse went over the final preparations with her. Finally the appointed hour arrived, and the doctor entered her room.
"I'm so sorry, but I'm afraid I'm sick and won't be able to operate on you today. You'll have to come back next week."
Thanks for doctors who know their own limits.
Now that's a switch... the doctor is sick! Better he tell her that than not be up to par during her surgery, but what a surprise, and a disappointment when you are psyched up to get it over with! My father was scheduled for back surgery in his latter years, and was ready for sedation when the anesthesiologist came in and told him that he would have no trouble putting him to sleep but couldn't guarantee that he would be able to wake him up again. At that point my dad decided to forgo the surgery, but we wondered why that consult didn't take place before it was ever scheduled. He was so disappointed.
ReplyDeleteThat is a let-down. All that mental preparation, and then not to have the surgery at all.
DeleteAh yes, I've been in that situation.
ReplyDeleteSometimes we tend to think that doctors never have physical problems.
I'm sorry you can relate to this situation.
DeleteOh man. My last surgery was scheduled for ten am and didn't happen until the late evening due to more pressing emergencies
ReplyDeleteMeanwhile, you were starving (I imagine). Sometimes, one of my family has been the more pressing emergency, so I try to have patience when doctors are delayed, but it isn't always easy. (And I've never personally been in your shoes, where a surgery has been so delayed!)
DeleteOddly it didn't bother me...i like you know that there but for the grace of God...
DeleteOddly it didn't bother me...i like you know that there but for the grace of God...
DeleteIs t there a substitute list?
ReplyDeleteI imagine there must be for surgeries that are time-sensitive, but I think I'd rather wait a few days, if possible, for the surgeon I trusted.
DeleteIt does happen, and it's a pain in the posterior for everyone --patients, hospital staff, everyone -- when a bunch of surgeries have to be rescheduled because the doctor isn't well.
ReplyDeleteWe sometimes forget that doctors are subject to illness, too.
Deletetheres a psych expression that I still have from college, 'approach/avoidance conflict' the above sounds similar in the sense of one thing causing two opposite emotions
ReplyDeleteDefinitely better to wait for a healthy surgeon, but still disappointing.
DeleteI've been in this situation also, where my surgery was postponed because the doctor had to handle an emergency. I found it reassuring to know that he'd do the same for me if I was the one having the emergency. Still, all that tension and preparation...but what can you do?
ReplyDeleteMy mom handled the delay with grace.
DeleteNever been in that situation as most docs or specialists have contacted me to cancel. However it is still very annoying.
ReplyDeleteThe doctor woke up not feeling great. She hoped that she would feel better in an hour or two, but realized that wasn't going to be the case.
DeleteThat happened when I was scheduled to deliver Zilla. They kept pushing our arrival time back because there were too many other women already there giving birth. I think the worst part is the frustration of having prepped yourself mentally, and then...nothing.
ReplyDeleteThat really would have been frustrating!
DeleteOh, no. All that worry and anxiety for nothing. I know there's a lesson in this about anticipation and worry. I like true and true-to-life writings.
ReplyDeleteIt's easier for me to write about real experiences than to try to come up with ideas.
DeleteIt's easier for me to write about real experiences than to try to come up with ideas.
DeleteGreat story Kristi! I don't remember reading that before and while I appreciate the doctor knowing his limits that had to be extra stressful to wait another week! My nerves would have been in knots. I hope a year later her back problems are all resolved. They can be the worst.
ReplyDelete