by Dan H.
Member since:
August 9, 2007

She turned 87!!

February 06, 2009 03:48 PM EST (Updated: February 06, 2009 03:51 PM EST)
views: 101 | comments: 38

 

She turned 87!!

 

As some of you have known, I'm on my internal medicine rotation and one of my patients is an elderly woman with many chronic health problems who only speaks Italian. To make matters worse, her family doesn't seem to come visit her. Yes, it'd be easier to translate if a family member were there, but I've tried to make the best of it and I have been studying Italian this last week to the point that I can ask her about any of her medical issues in Italian, see if they're getting better/worse and speak about a few other things.

 

Anyways, something seemed different today when I saw her. She was in a happier mood when I arrived, and when I asked her how she was, she informed me in Italian that it was her birthday. She had just turned 87. After rounding with her, I went and printed out a sign that said "It Is My Birthday!" and attached it to her door with tape. Afterwards, I went down to the gift shop and bought her one of those metallic birthday balloons. When I came back up to meet up with my team, I had a few strange looks from the residents and the attending physician. I informed them that my patient had just turned 87 and that I wanted to give her a balloon. Later that morning, we went to round on her and met up with her in physical therapy. I tied the balloon to her wheelchair and we all told her happy birthday.

 

It put me in a good mood to see her smile.

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Comments: 38

Elizabeth B. Feb 6, 2009, 3:52pm EST
Oh how wonderful!! Such a kind man you are :>}
When you see her next tell her Buon Compleanno, from Oregon
Carrie C. Feb 6, 2009, 3:56pm EST
You are going to make a wonderful doctor. At that age every birthday should be celebrated joyfully. Does her family not come to see her, or does she not have family?
Dan H. Feb 6, 2009, 3:57pm EST
Thank You For Posting To:
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Our goal is to help you further your exposure and to support other gather members.

Please Don’t Forget To RATE The Post.
Dan H. Feb 6, 2009, 3:58pm EST
Her daughter lives nearby but works too much I guess.
Sandy (back in Ohio...blah!) Feb 6, 2009, 4:04pm EST
Oh that was so sweet of you to do that for. I know little things like that are worthwhile.

Her daughter needs to get her prespectives in order. How would she like it if the situation was reverse and noone came and seen her?
Denise B. Feb 6, 2009, 4:06pm EST
that was very sweet :)
Vivian P. Feb 6, 2009, 4:08pm EST
now that is so sweet
the true strength of a man is measured by how gentle and kind he is

you measure up just fine !
connie h. Feb 6, 2009, 4:16pm EST
nice
Pam S. Feb 6, 2009, 4:25pm EST
That was very nice of you.
Samantha A. Feb 6, 2009, 4:27pm EST
that was very sweet of you-I bet you made her day :)
Anna D. Feb 6, 2009, 4:28pm EST
Oh that is so nice of you. I bet you make her day.
Anna del C.
Author of "The Silent Warrior Trilogy"
http://www.annadelc.com
Mariana T. Feb 6, 2009, 4:28pm EST
Bless her heart - you are wonderful and if you need me to send her a birthday card, I would love to - just send me the address and her name. I love that you are such a neat person - I do things like that for folks all the time and it does make my heart sing. Salud
Sheri D. Feb 6, 2009, 4:32pm EST
It really isn't always about medicine is it? The goodness from you came out through the happiness in her. One act of kindness has put smiles on many faces, hers yours and all of us. Thank you for this post, I really need this today.
**AngelEyez** a. Feb 6, 2009, 4:45pm EST
That is such a wonderful thing to do Dan,dont ever stop being like that.... !!!!!
Billie H. Feb 6, 2009, 4:46pm EST
How sweet Dr.Dan! You give me hope in the future of the doctor world.You are what a Dr.Should be.Fun,loving,and full of compassion!
A good "bedside manner" is hust as important as medical knowledge. That was very sweet. She is probably very lonely not being able to communicate. Do you work in a hospital or in long term care?
Rebecca [Future Teacher] Feb 6, 2009, 5:04pm EST
Aww you're so sweet Dr. Dan. Happy Birthday to her!
Holly K. Feb 6, 2009, 5:05pm EST
What a sweet person you are! That was a wonderful thing to do.
Steph-in-NE ..... Feb 6, 2009, 5:17pm EST
you are a sweet chap you are,,,, wish there is more like you
Janie E. Feb 6, 2009, 5:24pm EST
You are such a sweet guy, Dan!! I'm sure she appreciated it!!! Happy Birthday to your patient!!
You are so wonderful to care about your patients this away. I am sure she was grinning from ear to ear.
Sandy M. Feb 6, 2009, 6:18pm EST
Dan, that was so sweet, kind, thoughtful and wonderful of you. I`m sure it made her day. you are going to be a GREAT Doctor.
Sensational Sadie Sexy Senior Sitizen Feb 6, 2009, 6:20pm EST
That thoughtful gesture probably made her day.
Amber C. Feb 6, 2009, 6:34pm EST
You made her day.
Gwen P. Feb 6, 2009, 8:34pm EST
That was a neat thing to do!
Shawnee G. Feb 6, 2009, 10:21pm EST
You will be great at taking care of people and making them better!
Beth - Doing God's work Daily J. Feb 6, 2009, 10:37pm EST
Thanks for sharing on Getting to 3000 Together
Linda M. Feb 6, 2009, 10:40pm EST
Every day you amaze me by going beyond the call of duty and really connecting with your patients. Learning her language is especially great. Who knows-this may lead you into a new area of interest to study.
This comment is to let you know that this content has reached at least ten comments, and as such has been removed from Comment Speedway! Congratulations!
Becca J. Feb 7, 2009, 8:55am EST
Dan, that's wonderful.

You'll make a great doctor
glenda j. Feb 8, 2009, 6:49pm EST
ty
Netty B. Feb 9, 2009, 9:41am EST
Very sweet Dan!
Netty B. Feb 9, 2009, 9:41am EST
Thanks for posting to ~3,000 Here We Come!~
This is to let you know that your content has reached 25 comments & will be removed from the group page...

MyHotComments.com
Diane "stormyz" B. Feb 9, 2009, 11:59pm EST
Thank you for posting this to the Ratings Rampage Group
Karen G. Feb 11, 2009, 10:27pm EST
That was very nice.
H M. Feb 12, 2009, 12:34am EST
what a kind doctor!
Heather J. Feb 12, 2009, 10:44pm EST
How are you babe?
Sandy C. Feb 23, 2009, 3:05pm EST
That was nice of you.

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