Dr. H's Clipboard

Penelope ‘wasn’t acting right’ and EMS transported her to the emergency department. Her distraught daughter, Lynn, arrived within minutes and scrambled to find the notebook listing her elderly mother’s vital signs over the past several days. Penelope had stopped chemotherapy for multiple myeloma and was being treated for a recent urinary tract … [Read more...] about Acknowledge Turning Over a New Leaf

Sam’s memory was fading at 82, but he was well-aware of having chest pain. After having undergone a second cardiac bypass surgery ten years ago, his wife Lucy knew to call 911.  The paramedics gave Sam nitroglycerin which promptly dropped his blood pressure and slowed his pulse rate. Sam received IV fluids and arrived safely at the ER with his pain … [Read more...] about The Emergency Room Homestretch

Ed had an easy-going personality at the ripe-old-age of 82. He came to the ER with his worrisome wife, Sally, due to diarrhea and dehydration. Ed felt weak, but remained upbeat. He was dealing with prostate cancer that failed to respond to two different courses of chemotherapy. Sally was cautiously optimistic that the next round of chemo might … [Read more...] about Autumn Concessions

Paul was only 53-years-old when he collapsed at home. Barely responsive, paramedics rushed Paul to the ER and life support commenced. After Paul was stabilized, he was taken to the x-ray department for a stat brain CT. The physician made it clear to Lisa that her husband’s condition was critical and she began preparing for the worst while staying … [Read more...] about Awakening the Sweet Spot of Certainty

Rhonda experienced a stroke affecting the left side of her body. She returned to the emergency department (ED) three weeks later due to kidney failure. While only 62-years-old, Rhonda’s long history of hypertension had taken a toll on her body. Although she was making steady progress in recovering from the stroke, Rhonda appeared depressed. Her … [Read more...] about The First 100 Days Following an Emergency

While the ER physician suggested Patricia might be dying, the patient’s granddaughter, Tiffany, took offense. Patricia was 87 years old and had been slowing down over the past six months. She had experienced diminished appetite and lost interest in living. She was brought to the emergency department for evaluation and diagnosed with … [Read more...] about Blunting the Tool of Anger

Despite wearing a patient gown, George was a distinguished-looking 72-year-old gentleman. He arrived in the ER with his charming wife, Jill, for difficulty breathing. George had end-stage lung cancer that was not responding to aggressive chemotherapy. He was also receiving treatment for congestive heart failure due to a prior heart attack. After … [Read more...] about Anticipate Happily Ever After