October 15, 2002

     I am your patient. You are my doctor. I know that you are not God, but to me you are as one. My diseases or injuries have caught up with me and I have extended my hand in a plea for your help. If I were strong or healthy enough, I would not have sought you. But now, I have entrusted myself to you: my body, my life, and my dignity.

     You do not have to aid me. Perhaps you may have to because it is your job. Just your job. So I cannot blame you if you seek compensation for your services. I can only pray that I can afford it, because I may have nothing. But I would understand; you too need to earn your keep, as I do, though I wager it is probably much more than mine. But I will try to pay in whatever means I could, if only you save my life now so I can work to pay you. At this moment, I will sacrifice all that I have just so that I may keep this life, no matter how insignificant it may seem to you.

     But before you rush to things, please remember that I too am a person. Please let me know what is going on. You may be tired, and very busy, but you can diminish my fear by letting me know my chances and your plans. Sometimes haste makes waste. I wish not to end up as statistics. Perhaps I can participate better and cooperate more in my care if you only spend a little more time talking with me. Not just for knowledge but because every moment you spend with me adds comfort in my suffering.

     I was also hoping that as you do what you must, that you would do it in a manner that will not shame me. Don’t talk down to me because I don’t have as much knowledge as you have and I am the one in pain right now. It would be more bearable if at least some of my privacy and dignity were respected. For I am a person too, not just another case.

     Sometimes, I know my family may be overbearing. But if you were sick, wouldn’t you want your folks to look after you too? Please be reasonable to them, and after you get my consent, tell them what you must. Be aware of what my desires are if you think your struggle to save me is futile. I may not want to be a vegetable, but withhold not what may yet snatch me from the clutches of death. Please always do your best.

     There are patients I am sure, that have deceived you, or harmed you despite all your good intentions. While you are being cautious please remember that not all people are like that. I may actually be in true pain. It may just me being insane, but you need to know how to tease out the truth and treat my body as well as my mind. I trust that you keep up with what you also need to know and do what you are supposed to do so that first of all, you do me no harm.

     See doctor, I will not be the patient forever and you will not remain a doctor always. One day, things can turn around and you too might get ill or injured. Then you shall know my situation and you shall feel my pain and you shall tremble too with my fears and frustrations. You will someday wear my shoes.

     For now, I remain as your patient. Please remain and be my doctor and my friend.

     Sincerely yours,

     Your Patient

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