Member-only story
You Won’t Believe What Patients Held Back And Why It Mattered
Real Stories From Doctors About The Crucial Details Patients Missed
Doctors believe they hear everything. However patients frequently say nothing about important matters. Imagine an adolescent girl concealing something major and imagine how a secret could destroy everything. Her mother sits next to her oblivious. Alternatively a man dismissing pain is a warning sign. These are not made-up stories they are true ones.
When people keep quiet lives are at stake. Youll discover soon enough what prevents them from telling the truth — is it denial fear or shame? They will remain with you. They may even frighten you a little. This is the first one and its a doozy so get ready. Tension is in the air in a tiny clinic.
Lisa who is just fourteen twitches in her seat. Her mother looks straight ahead oblivious to the impending bomb. Lisas fifteen-year-old boyfriend shifts uneasily next to her. It appears as though he wants to run. Why are you here? asks the doctor.
Lisa murmurs something about genital warts. Her mother is stunned. She didnt know. After examining Lisa the doctor determines that it is HPV a dangerous sexually transmitted disease. He checks the boyfriend after that. He has warts on his mouth and lips.
