Doctor, Can You Hear Me?

Once more into the breach

Words from the Henry V, by William Shakespeare. 

Last year, I wrote about the doctor’s office visit I had with Mom and her doctor where he must have referred to her age multiple times during the session.  Each time I could see her spirt drop by degrees.  I know at my advancing age that it always brings me up short when someone mentions my age “Me?” “Aren’t I twenty years younger than that?”  Then, of course, I look in the mirror and say, “Oh yes, they are right.” Then I feel my aching back.

By the end of the session I had asked him if he wouldn’t mind (as a geriatrician, in fact) instead of using the phrase “for someone as old as you” when referring to a senior citizen to their face, they should say “for someone as beautiful as you.”  The same point is made and smiles replace upset feelings all around.

I did hear from medical professionals since that article was released, who said they have started using that phrase to the delight of their patients and even their staff.

I guess the message didn’t get to the specialist we saw last week who not only referred to her being of senior citizen age multiple times but used her specific age.  Not cool.  

We left his office and refreshed our spirits with a quart of Rocky Road ice cream.  Somethings never get old.