08.03.2023

Wednesday morning.

I have a shift at the clinic.

I arrive a little late and quickly change into my uniform.

I knock and enter.

The day begins.

We see a lot of patients but only a few cases “go home” with me.

We had patient A with toxic hepatitis. I think this was a new appointment after the patient had previously been assessed and prescribed with drugs by another doctor in another hospital.

On physical examination, he had jaundice, liver cirrhosis and ascites. His lab results further indicated hepatic distress. My consultant did the required assessment, wrote the prescriptions and referred him to the Regional hospital. After. Mr. A left, my consultant shook his head very downcast. I asked what about this case made him feel so sad? “I don’t like his prognosis. It’s not looking very good”, he replied.

Today is Sunday, 12.03.2023. I’m sat on a wide table at the scientific library studying for my surgery class tomorrow – Acute pancreatitis and its complications. One of the complications of pancreatitis is fluid retention which can eventually progress to Ascitities. Once again, patient A comes to mind.

It’s going to be a little complicated to evaluate his recovery knowing he’s been referred, but I’ve thought about him every day since last Wednesday. I truly hope he is doing well. I want him to make great recovery. I want him to get better.