Seems like family

Those of us who have worked in a general practice for many years have seen the kids grow up. Sometimes we even see the kids of the kids in the practice as patient. Sometime these patients seem like family. We have been through the high school and college years with the parents. We have been through the weddings and new births too.
We have some elderly patients who have been coming for many years. Life happens and unfortunately death happens as well. In a Wal-Mart parking lot I met Pete's wife after Pete's death. Pete was fun everytime he came in. I held her and told her how sorry I was to hear of his passing. She began to cry and hugged me hard and then I began to cry too. I told her he was in a better place and we should be happy for that. After we parted I thought about the connection we subconsciously form with patients. Pete was not part of my immediate family, and I only saw him every 6 months, but I really felt her loss.

Die Bitch Die

Before you read this you must understand that my fellow hygienist and I have this problem. If we talk about a chocolate eclair we will have gained 1/4 lb. If we look too long at a napoleon in the bakery, that is an easy 1/2lb. I had this patient this afternoon. She is the mother of 3 and is pencil thin. She confided in me that she just can not gain weight. She has tried and tried and she is has not been successful. I told her that there are a number of good weight gaining products available and she should consult with her doctor to find out the best one for her. When she left the office I immediately called my friend and told her what happened. She was silent on the other end of the phone for so long I became worried. In a deep throat voice she then said "Die Bitch Die." Can you relate to any of this?


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Late Patients

Did you ever have a day when EVERY patient was late? I have and I came home exhausted. I felt liked I had worked 2 days. Because the economy is down. We try not to send them home. Some do have new construction sites as an excuse, but some patients just stroll in. I have to compromise on patient education and other services along the way, just to stay afloat. I just would like to tell them in a nice way, next time please be on time.


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Great Tip

Who has not had sore throbbing hands after a challenging day at the office. I was talking to a chiropractor fiend of mine and he said to cut a soft small ball (2 1/2 to 3 inches in diameter) in half and squeeze half of the ball in your hands. This seems to work better than a full ball and will work the small muscles that we use in instrumentation much better. Who knew?


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Ultimate Question

Have you ever extracted a tooth that was unbelievably loose while you were scaling and root planing? That happened to a friend of mine. I have almost extracted teeth that were way beyond class three mobility, and I have also scaled teeth that I had to stabilize with my fingers. I think the patients were not ready to give up on them. I think we have to gently discuss the patients feelings about recommended extractions. I think there just is a time to just let them go.



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