Thread by @SpandanaRayala

Today I saw a child looking with cerebral palsy like this when I went to see a patient of mine. It's a huge ward with 5 residents looking after children. There is a chance this could be lymphoma. The work up yet to be started. 1/n

He was obviously distressed, posturing, and pulling up his legs. He is spastic and had contractures. Oncology referral sought. What was difficult to watch was nothing was being done for the child. Let me explain. 2/n

I don't mean nothing was being done at all. Oxygen started. Intravenous fluids started. Diligent Monitoring of vitals being done. And nothing else. And what is sad is to accept that I would have done the exact same thing in my residency.
#PedPC @iapindia

The child scored 9/10 on FLACC-R and was dyspneic. So I chose this moment (even though I had no referral) to discuss with 3 available residents. And I showed them various Pediatric pain scales. #measurepain to #treatpain

Anyway, after explaining all the scales in less than 5 minutes and how relief from pain is a human right @CentreWho @palliumindia I made my point for the need for morphine for such pain. The shock on their faces 😅 5/n

The child is now with Oncology for work up and treatment and Palliative care is already involved. Like way before confirmation of diagnosis. And that is a huge win! @twoworldscancer @PalliativeHyd 6/n

And one of the resident asked if he can take pictures of our laminated scales. All I am bragging here is how these little extra efforts go a long way in sensitising a whole generation of doctors regarding Pain Management and Palliative Care. #pallieducation 7/n

And I would like to think of all those who never missed an opportunity to make a point, even when they were very busy. @NoNeedlessPain @drmegandoherty @Camaravanb @gpalat @FrankDFerris @RajaniSurendarB @mrraj47 @sunithamd @nandinivallath 8/8