The Internet Patient

Voice by Baek Ji Young ft Gary Lee sang

Salam and ola folks!

Just came back from my short 7 days holiday in Malaysia. Days was well spent babysitting Zulaikha and Husna, and of course Baby Hanan (though I refused to cuci her 'natural aftermath'. Haha). Met some high school friends, the usual trio, plus a good friend of mine whom I haven't met for 4 years. And may I add she was exceptionally different! Hotter babe!

Other than that, I usually hang out with my sister in her bedroom. While she nurses Baby Hanan, we would talk and talk. The topic ranges from her pregnancy experiences to Baby Hanan's variety poop colors to the emotional roller coaster of the whole deal.

My kakak if I must say, is an avid reader. When she came back from the States for good, she wanted to bring back 2 large boxes filled with her books. My dad suggested to sell some it off. She was furious. That 2 boxes arrive Malaysia safely with none books being sold.

Eventhough I know this, it was still a surprise to see her laying on the bed in the quiet semi dark room nursing Baby Hanan in one hand; swaying her once in a while, whilst the other hand holding an Ipad, reading attentively articles Googled about her baby. All this with a slight light shine on her face from the Ipad- the only source of light in the room. It was quite a picturesque really. I've never seen anything like it!

And all this time I thought, she would read less once she has a baby. Meh!

Anyway, with that much of reading, comes with a lot of questions directed to me. Ah, that moment you wish you are not a medical student. She was well inform about her condition (she did emergency C-sect) and her baby's condition. When I mean by well inform, I do mean well inform for a non med standard. Example like how breastmilk consistency differs through the day, or the breastmilk vs formula milk pros and cons, or reasoning of certain actions to the baby.

I tried to answer some of her questions, but often time, it'll be her explaining to me. Malu! My solution...kept repeating I haven't enter pediatric department! Hahaha! That excuses saved me BIG TIME!

Then it hits me that there'll be more patients such my sister.

Internet after all, is just another click away right?

I tried recounting any patients like my sister in my last 1 year internship in Indonesia, but sadly, only 3 cases came in mine. This is partly due to patients we encounter as a Koas are from the poor classes. As such, most of them are poorly educated and do not know their rights as a patient. Some just accept whatever the doctor does without asking the relevant of such treatment or procedure. When I asked, they either are too scared to ask questions or just wholly trust the doctor.

Which I am not saying, you can't trust your doctor. No. But knowing you have rights to ask questions to your doctors or other medical personal are important. It is after all a part of the job.

But when we do meet patients who ask a lot (or mind too much), irritation starts to build up. I know a doctor who refused to go to a patient's room because his patient was too fussy. Or a nurse who complaints about another patient because she cares too much.

Fening, fening.

Nevertheless, lesson I learned from my kakak is,
1) You have to be patient answering your patient's questions. They have the right to be inform about their condition.
2) I still have tons and tons to read and learn. *sigh*
3) Do not hate patient who reads from the Internet much. Hehehe.

Till then,
Cheers! :)