Care for Your Loved Ones

Dr. WONG Pui Yan, Stella

Specialist in Rheumatology

A couple in their eighties came to see me for follow-up consultation. As usual, the half-page medical record wrote ‘Dementia’, ‘Depression’, etc.

Two minutes into the consultation, the lady scooped out a little note. It seemed she had prepared quite a few questions. Got to be late for lunch...

After a series of questions, the lady, not without embarrassment, asked “How can I tell the difference between ‘mg’ and ‘gm’?” She wanted to prepare a renal diet for her husband, and needed 50gm of orange.

During our conversation, I knew that her husband used to teach physical education and biblical studies at school. Now with deteriorating renal function, he could only move around with a walking aid. Also he needed to take more than 10 medications and avoid certain food. To him, life was joyless.

The gentleman began to get more enthusiastic when he talked about the Bible and his teaching career. Looking pleased by his side, his wife agreed to let him have some more fruits. And the old man was all smiles, with tears on his eyes.

I could not say if the gentleman’s kidney would get better, but I am sure that he felt less depressed after that.

And I wish that, when I am his age, my loved ones need not worry about me and weigh orange for me.

All I cherish are a little more care and a few intimate exchanges.