Kauvery Kathaigal : 2
Old is Gold! A Uniquely Healthy Mother and Son
Situation: A patient, and a lady-attender, fast asleep!
Diagnosis: Bilateral Inguinal Hernias.
Patient's Story
I entered a shared ward and found the patient and a lady- attender fast asleep. I did not want to disturb them and was about to tip toe out when they both woke up, fresh as daisies. Both looked very fit, and healthy. I wondered what brought him to the hospital He was very chatty . He said he came in to have hernias operated on both sides. I quietly watched and listened; A nurse presented the details and a fascinating conversation ensued.
Discussion
I queried the team about whether he had direct or indirect hernias. No one seemed very sure of the answer or why I asked that question. Then, he came up with the answer: he had both! One on each side! I asked my team whether anyone could describe the anatomy None seemed confident, so I explained the anatomy and pathology of hernias, and their usual contents He wanted to know the etiology of both. We discussed the common risk factors for developing them . He did not seem to have any; he had a healthy lifestyle. I raised the question about meshes, and whether he received them. Again, my team was not sure, but the patient knew the answer. Yes, he received a mesh on both sides
Conclusion
Our conversation woke up the lady attendant, who was curled up against the wall. She sat up, bright as a button! The patient introduced, “My mother.” She was bejeweled in the traditional Mylapore style, sporting sparkling diamonds on her nose and ears She was charming, cheerful and ageless! She had caught the drift of my conversation with her son and assured me, like him, that she was healthy and well and had none of the apparently unavoidable NCDs (Non-Communicating Disorders) of modern times like Diabetes or Hypertension. As a bedside physician who has served patients all over the world for more than five decades, I was delighted to see this uniquely healthy mother and son.
A disciplined, healthy lifestyle is the ultimate shield against modern diseases.
