Viewpoint

The surgeon as patient

FROM THE CHIEF MEDICAL EDITOR

Larry E. Patterson, MD

I enjoy playing pickleball. For those of you who do not know what pickleball is, imagine a cross between ping pong and tennis, with a concrete-surfaced tennis court as the game’s location. While I am not the most talented player, (sports-wise, I am consistent this way) I do tend to compensate with enthusiasm, determination and by playing a little bit harder than everyone else.

Such was the case last month — four days before deadline for this column. As the ball unexpectedly whizzed by me, I ran hard, attempting to hit it. But my torso well preceded my legs, and as I came down the hard concrete surface didn’t budge when my shoulder slammed into it. Having a medical degree, I immediately suspected that I dislocated my shoulder, and my friends took me to the hospital. I was correct, although it wasn’t the typical shoulder dislocation — my distal clavicle separated so far out of joint that it was on top of my scapula.

The next day I met with an orthopedic surgeon, and we agreed that surgery was probably my best option. I could not move my shoulder without my joint feeling like rocks rubbing against each other. Nonsurgical observation might also have worked, but it seemed to me that the upcoming weeks of shoulder instability would not be conducive to a very productive work life.

The following day I was put under general anesthesia, and the surgeon performed in less than an hour. He said it was a great success, and I was sent home to recover — and write about my experience.

Lessons learned

A few things come to mind. First, it isn’t necessary to be in a large medical center in this country to get good quality care. I have known my “small-town” surgeon, Dr. Jon Simpson, for about 27 years since he arrived here one year after me. I would put his surgical skills on par with the best in the country. It’s also my personal bias that we have some fine ophthalmic surgeons in this small town as well. The quality of surgeons, and all medical care for that matter, varies throughout the country, regardless of where you live.

Second, while I wouldn’t wish illness or injury on any of you, when it happens it’s not all bad. It’s actually a blessing on occasion to be put in the role of the patient and experience what our patients experience every day. Much has been written about this, but I think becoming a patient in the end makes us all better doctors. And yes, I was a terrific patient.

Getting by with a little help

Finally, special thanks to the narcotics manufacturers. For specific reasons and in short duration, narcotics can return some tolerable sanity to your life. See you all next month when I can tell you about “writing under the influence.” And if you do see me at AAO in Chicago, you’ll understand the sling! OM