fostering the humanistic practice of medicine publishing personal accounts of illness and healing encouraging health care advocacy

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fostering the humanistic practice of medicine publishing personal accounts of illness and healing encouraging health care advocacy

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Doctor Becomes Patient

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

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"On Being Different"

Galya (“Gali”) Shalit Lodish, an internist, worked in general clinical practice for eighteen years, then moved into longevity/aging research for two years before pivoting into psychedelic medicine for mental-health needs. She hopes eventually to use the tools of psychedelic medicine for palliative care. “I am grounded in evidence-based medicine, but I feel that the Western model for end-of-life care needs a more holistic approach. I hope to blend science and spirituality with the promise and potential of psychedelic molecules for patients as they face mortality. I plan to create a collaborative model with different providers–psychiatrists, therapists, nurses, death doulas–bringing together, like alchemy, their various skills. I hope to find a place for poets and poetry too!”

About the Poem

“Last year I was diagnosed with osteoporosis, found on a DEXA scan. Although I was only fifty, my scores were quite significant; I had the bones of a much older person. I felt fragile. This poem was borne of that diagnosis, and of the realization that every doctor becomes a patient at some point.”

Comments

12 thoughts on “Doctor Becomes Patient”

  1. Barbara Jeffries

    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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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!

  4. 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!

  5. Louis Verardo, MD, FAAFP

    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.

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