Friday, May 30, 2014

Constipation

In my Cure course, we were instructed to write a "prevention doctor" dialogue between a patient and a doctor. In our dialogue, the doctor had to empower the patient to make healthy choices regarding nutrition and complementary approaches that lead to a healthy life. We also had to role-play and record our "prevention doctor" dialogue. The purpose of this action project was to take on the role of a very specific kind doctor who reinforces his patients to ask question and not be intimidate by his "doctor status". I enjoyed learning about indigenous medicines and making herbal medicine. I am proud of completing this homework on time because the amount of time given to us for this project was very short, and I struggled with time management a little.

Below is my videos and script.



Script:


Doctor: Hello. I am Dr. Smith. I will be the physician taking care of you today. What seems to be the problem?

Patient: Hi Dr. Smith. I am Phillip and I am here because recently I have been having some issues. I am fine right now, but recently I have been having some abdominal pain, I’ve been vomiting and (touching his abdomen) my abdomen sometimes is swollen.

Doctor: How long have you been feeling this way?

Patient: I'd say for about three days now. I felt so bad last night that I came decided to pay you a visit. I wish I hadn't because I have horrible insurance. My premiums are high and hardly anything is covered.

Doctor: I'm sorry to hear that. Are you part of PPO or do you have private insurance?

Patient: I have private insurance. Anyway, is there anything you can do for me? I don't seem to be getting any better.

Doctor: (stands jauntily, walks towards the sink and washes his hands) Well, I'll have to check you out to be able to make a diagnosis. (uses his stethoscope again and listens closely) Let me listen to your breathing . (silence for about five seconds) Nothing seems wrong, but based on the symptoms you have just described, I would have to perform a sigmoidoscopy to determine whether my assumption is right.

Patient: (confused and panicked) A sigmoid what-now? (stands up and paces across the room) Wait wait doctor I am just feeling a little pain that’s all. Now tell me doctor what do you think is wrong with me, you are talking about sigmoid whatever scopy. What is that? (sits back down) !!!

Doctor: (calmly) Now lets stay calm Mr. Phillips. A sigmoidoscopy is a test that provides an inside look at your rectum and the first part of your colon, which is the main part of your large intestine. Does your family have a history of colon cancer?

Patient: (quickly stands) Cancer? No, none of my family members have ever been diagnosed with cancer… at least none that I know of. (sacred) Am I really that sick doctor?

Doctor: Well, I would have to perform the sigmoidoscopy to find out. Please Mr. Phillips let’s not get ahead of ourselves, everything will be okay.

(Dr. Smith exits the room and Mrs. Dobby, the nurse practitioner prepares Mr. Phillips for the sigmoidoscopy. The Doctor performs the sigmoidoscopy.)

Doctor: I have the results from the sigmoidoscopy Mr. Phillips. (looking through the database) Do you get a regular checkup each year? You may have had this for months now.

Patient: No. I never go to the doctor. I cannot afford to get sick with my bad insurance. The only time I recall seeing a doctor was two years ago when I sprained my elbow. I wasn't even going to come in then, but it was so swollen that my wife made me go.

Doctor: Well, I understand that medical care can be expensive nowadays. Be that as it may be, when you are suffering from any kind of ailment, especially one this severe it is worth the money. Based on the results of the sigmoidoscopy, you are feeling constipated.

Patient: (sarcastically) Constipation, that’s it? I was worried for nothing doctor.

Doctor: Constipation is not just a mere nuisance Mr. Phillips, it is rather a serious medical condition. Constipation predisposes you to major colorectal disorders such as enlarged hemorrhoids and colorectal cancer.

Patient: (surprised) Wow!

Doctor: We can easily avoid getting constipated. How is your diet like Mr. Phillips?

Patient: I would have to say it is not the most nutritious diet, but it keeps me full. Most of my meal consist of steak, ribs, or chicken. I do not like vegetables!

Doctor: That is quite a diet you have there! Unless you would like to visit me again, you have to make some changes in your diet. The average male adult should get 38 grams of fiber daily. You need to start eating foods that are high in fiber, such as cooked black beans which contains about 15 grams of fiber. Fiber will make it easier for you to have bowel movement. Make sure to drink plenty of water and exercise. That will prevent you from getting constipated again.

Patient: (happily) I will make sure to eat more food that are high in fiber!

Doctor: (hesitant) Also Mr. Phillips Cascara, Aloe, and Sena are some herbal remedies you can try. If you are open to trying it then you should give it a go. My sister tell’s me that they help a great deal. But be cautious though, there are potent irritant laxative and can have great affect on the colon.

Patient: (confidently) Thank you so much doctor for answering my questions and helping me!

Doctor: You are welcome!



(The Doctor exits. Mr. Phillips happily gets up from his chair grabs some documents and exits the consultation room.)

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