#Thread
This is special post to say thanks to a brave couple.
I am treating their teenage son. He presented with an episode of mania. Responded well to outpatient treatment with Lithium.
Unfortunately, he had unacceptably high blood levels of lithium and developed early signs
This is special post to say thanks to a brave couple.
I am treating their teenage son. He presented with an episode of mania. Responded well to outpatient treatment with Lithium.
Unfortunately, he had unacceptably high blood levels of lithium and developed early signs
of lithium toxicity. As soon as I reduced lithium to a safe level, manic symptoms returned with severity.
He was admitted and treated with antipsychotic meds. Within 24 hours, he developed fever and CPK value was 9000+
He was admitted and treated with antipsychotic meds. Within 24 hours, he developed fever and CPK value was 9000+
This is serious. This is called Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) and can be life threatening.
He needed ICU care for one week and almost 6 weeks of hospital admission after that.
Now he is well for a while on medicines.
He needed ICU care for one week and almost 6 weeks of hospital admission after that.
Now he is well for a while on medicines.
What stands out is family's faith in their doctors. As per their wish second opinion was facilitated with doctors of their choice and they continued their child's treatment with me.
Their insurance claims rejected (mental illness not covered), son in ICU, complex medical decision making and strain on family all did not stop them from processing information and helping in decision making.
Their trust in me was unwavering and this helped me to do my best for the child. All team members were also supported by child's parents.
After nearly 2 months of battle, child is well and family can sleep easy.
My special gratitude for them for their trust and support.
We doctors can function a lot better when we work as a team with patient and their family.
My special gratitude for them for their trust and support.
We doctors can function a lot better when we work as a team with patient and their family.
This family is one such example where I did not have to look over my shoulder while treating a difficult challenge.
They were actively participating, asking, answering and supporting me and treating team.
They were actively participating, asking, answering and supporting me and treating team.
This makes all the work worthwhile.
In days when doctor-patient relationship is challenged in all fora, this family gives me hope to go on as a doctor.
In days when doctor-patient relationship is challenged in all fora, this family gives me hope to go on as a doctor.
My sincere thanks to them for helping me to treat their son through most challenging circumstances. 🙏
I write this thread to encourage my medical colleagues and their patients to trust each other and rise above prevalent negativity in healthcare. Thus we can be better together.
#India
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