This week we had Rheumatology case presentations for our Immunology class. We were divided into small groups and each member was supposed to act out a part of the patient care team. My group was assigned Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (yes, sometimes it IS lupus!) and I happened to play the part of the patient.
So many times we provide diagnoses and treatment plans to patients - in Doctoring, in clinic, etc. - and may not think too much about them. We come to the conclusion based on the history, the physical exam, lab tests and values, and clinical judgement. It makes sense to us and we explain that as best as we can to the patient. But while I was pretending to the be the patient, I realized just what it's like to be on the other side. This wasn't just a regular PCP appointment, "Hey, you're fine! See you next year." kind of deal. SLE is pretty much a lifetime diagnosis. Yes, it can be managed, but I felt overwhelmed taking that in, especially when you are trying to make sense of these lab values even though you don't have any idea what they mean. You go to see your doctor, concerned about certain symptoms, and then are dealt this huge diagnosis as the cause.
Something to think about.
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