Let’s Talk About Poop, Baby
As some of you may know, I often say that I went to medical school with the primary purpose being to validate my frequent scatological tangents. Yes, I like to talk about poop. And medical school and residency have provided me with an acceptable arena to do so.
Since I don’t feel like sharing any profoundly important and philosophical wisdoms right now, I will instead regress to my comfortable zone. I encountered the topic of poop 3 times today:
1. A patient screamed at me, “GOD DAMN IT, I SH*T MYSELF, WHAT THE F**K ARE YOU GONNA DO ABOUT IT?!” I ducked his flailing arms, and notified the nurse.
2. I was teaching a medical student about what “judgment” means in psychiatry. She asked, can’t you just ask the question, “what would you do if a building caught on fire?” And I said, “yes, you can do that, however observing the patient’s behavior can be more telling. For example, a patient might be able to tell you that running out of the building would be a good idea. However, seconds later they might have a bowel movement, scoop up their feces, and eat it. Would you call that good judgment?” I think she got the point.
3. A patient described in detail to me about her constipation. I ordered her up some Colace. She was happy.
I went for an 8-mile run after work today. It’s time for sushi, and then bed. Nitey!
Photos: From my walks to the hospital in Brooklyn.