A middle-aged man, around 55, approached me when the COVID-19 lockdown was just underway in March 2020. He was diabetic, had hypertension, conditions that are not uncommon for people of that age these days. He complained of severe abdominal pain and I diagnosed him for the presence of gallstones. I recommended him to get a gallbladder removal surgery done.
He was afraid to undergo a surgery due to the prevailing COVID-19 and had intentions to postpone it. He had asked me if it is okay to not getting operated immediately. Since the condition did not warrant immediate surgery I prescrived him some antibiotcis and other medications but with a caution about any impending emergencies. By this time, the first lockdown was over and he approached me once again complaining of pain in the same area. He once again was reluctant to undergo a surgery and asked for medicines instead. I diagnosed him completely and told him clearly in no terms that the gallstone condition has worsened than observed previously and it is better to get a surgery done. Since it was not an emergency, I prescribed him some painkillers and antibiotics.
The man came back once again the third time. This time he showed mild symptoms of jaundice. He resisted getting his surgery during to COVID-19 this time too and I was left with no choice but to show some amount of anger on him for his naivity. Meanwhile, he had got admitted in some other hospital due to pain but there too he had got himself discharged fearing COVID-19 infection if he get himself operated.
He came back to me in the month of April 2021. His diagnosis clearly showed that he had developed mild pancreatitis. His blood sugar level was uncontrollable and it has started affecting his kidney function. I said to him finally that he has no choice now but to get hospitalized and get his surgery done immediately. I finally got to perform a gallbladder removal surgery on him and he recovered pretty well to my pleasant surprise.
After he got discharged, he came with his spouse for a regular follow up checking. I found that he had indeed recovered well. After getting prescriptions he left my room along with his wife. After a few minutes, I heard a knock and found him standing by my consultation room door. Usually patients, knock the door and get in to ask some clarifications which they might have forgotten to ask. This happens with every patient regularly. So my mind was expecting him to ask some clarification.
But as he walked inside my consultation roon once again with his wife, he asked me if I had got myself vaccinated for COVID-19. With a surprise on my face, I noded a yes and looked back at him. Then he requested me to remove my mask so that he could look at my face for the first time after interacting with me for well over 1.5 years and more importantly getting operated from me. I readily obliged, removed my mask and showed him my face. All the while, I never realized that such things do matter. After all, human beings are social beings in psychological terms and I was glad to remove my mask and show him my face.
