Thread by @hyderabaddoctor

Sometimes, we doctors need to go beyond our duty of writing medicines

1. 75-year old Mr Reddy: "Dr, we just returned from Char Dham Yatra yesterday and we wish to thank you for enabling us do this Yatra, what seemed impossible for past 4 years. Here is some "prasadam" for you." twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

2. Mr Reddy had been consulting for #Parkinsons disease (PD) for the past 8 years. He was doing fairly well, however, his motor symptoms had worsened for the past 2 years. He walked slowly and tended to lose balance especially while turning. He had fallen twice in past 6 months.

3. Reddy couple had shared about their wish to undertake Char Dham Yatra in the past few clinic visits.
I had suggested that we adjust the medications and take help of physiotherapist (to improve balance, gait & strength).
About three months back, I had given the green signal.

4. However, there was one problem. Their only child was working in the US and he was unable to get leave. He wanted to accompany his parents for this Yatra (should any untoward incident happen, he would be there to take care of his aged parents).
Reddy couple was in a dilemma.

5. In the last visit, I gave them confidence to undertake this Yatra. Mr Reddy was otherwise well (his diabetes was under good control & heart check up was normal).
Mrs Reddy had knee pain, otherwise, she was also healthy.
They had my contact details (if needed).
#Medtwitter

6. Today, seeing the smile & satisfaction on their faces, the effort was well worth it.
These are small efforts on our parts, but can have valuable impact on happiness & fulfilment of our patients (value of which often exceeds the benefits of medicines that we doctors prescribe)

7. Take home message
In medical practice, we sometimes need to get involved in matters beyond treating diseases that add satisfaction to our lives as well as that of our patients.
Happiness of patients due to our effort (small or big) is the best reward for any doctor.