The diagnosis is here
I knew it was coming
But did not think it would arrive this soon
“You’re very young to have it” the doctor said
My bones brittle, already
At age 50
I feel fragile
I actually AM fragile, my skeleton lacks density
It is disconcerting
But I told my children
I do not want to hide it, conceal it from them
Like the older generation did from us
When they got “bad news”
But I will try to find a positive, that is my way
“You’re at risk for breaking a bone”
That’s not a positive
“Weight-bearing exercises are recommended”
For the osteoporotic body
How many times have I told that to my patients
Now it is told to me
So I work out with my newly minted teenager
In our basement
We lift weights together
My strong 13-year-old
builds up his growing bones
As I try to slow decline of my decaying ones
“You can lift heavier weights, Mom”
My sweet child encourages me
And so I do
And enjoy this time with him
His loud teen music he cranks up for us
And we sweat together
And I thank my fragile bones for this opportunity
To be with my little boy, little man
In this intimate way
“You’ve got this, Mom” he says
And so I will get this
And find a positive…I just did
Amor Fati
Joe Amaral
November 29, 2024
12 thoughts on “Doctor Becomes Patient”
Thank you for sharing this joy found in sorrow.
I’m delighted that you and your son can share in this precious time together. I hope you and he can cradle the memory in your hearts.
Again, thank you.
Thank you so much, Barbara.
I love how you turned a negative diagnosis into a positive experience with your child. Keep up the good work that is strengthening your bones and your relationship with your son.
Thank you so much, Ronna
Thank you so much for sharing this piece. I was also diagnosed with osteoporosis at a surprisingly young age and it threw me for a loop. Our bones may be fragile but I’m guessing that you and I are both strong women. Be well!
Thank you so much, Michelle
This brings tears to my eyes. I love that you’re open with your kids. I believe that honesty builds compassion–a priceless commodity to carry through life. Happy lifting!
Thank you so much, Karen
I’m older but have osteoporosis, too. My doctors repeat, be careful be careful watch things you could trip over. And what a great son you have.
Thank you so much, Pris
This was a wonderful read, Dr. Lodish. Having recently been hit with a surprise CAD diagnosis requiring procedural care, I could relate to that sense of being caught off guard. But who knew that your adolescent teenage son would step up and lift your spirits as he did? Congratulations on raising a great kid, and wishing you much success with managing your osteoporosis.
Thanks for sharing this story with us.
Thank you so much, Louis