There are some who come into our lives oh so briefly but have a huge impact; the encounter lives on; we remember them always . I will never forgot one patient who came in for a spinal catheter for palliative care. He was near death, expected to live only a few more days. We were just providing some relief from pain in his last days. In order for the catheter to be inserted correctly, the patient needed to bend forward as far as possible while in the sitting position. He was in excruciating pain and this was difficult. His back was exposed and his body shook as the cold air hit his exposed skin. The thin cotton gown he wore offered little protection. I wrapped him in warm blankets as much as I could without encroaching on the prepared area the anesthesiologist was working on. The warm blankets werent enough. He shook with the cold and wracking pain. I held him close, trying to offer comfort and support. As he leaned against me, I held him as I would my own child. I spoke softly to him and he told me about his family and the anguish he felt in leaving them. I held back my tears and just listened. I dont remember all the details of our conversation but I feel blessed to have been where I was at just that moment. He died several days later. I hope the care we gave provided some comfort. We dont always know the impact we have on others. One small moment can be momentous.
Posted on: Tue, 19 Aug 2014 02:58:23 +0000