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Christmas Offerings

Patient journey?

Ailin Mohajeri
MJA 2006; 185 (11/12): 610
Monday

He’s a dead man. Balloon pump. Recurrent VTs. Frequent defibs. Still conscious! Stupid wife

I hate this rude bitch. No respect for me. No respect for my husband. No respect for his life. I can see it in her eyes

Tuesday

She knew what was coming the moment I looked at her. Spoke to her anyway. She knows he’s a dead man. But still refuses to listen

Who does she think she is? Telling me what to do. She won’t even give him a chance

Wednesday

Another defib. Can’t stand to look at him. Let her watch the defib. See what she’s doing to him. He cried out. Gave her a pointed look

She won’t even look at him. Won’t acknowledge him. Won’t acknowledge his right to live. Not even when he cried out

Thursday

Another defib. I wish he’d die

He looks worse today. I’m losing him. Why won’t she help him?

Friday

Another defib. Cracked it. Took her into my office

Another shock. Cracked it. Will give it to her in her office

She begged me

“I can’t lose him”

“What will I do without him?”

“My life for 40 years”

“Give him his life back”

She begged me

“I can’t save him”

“I can’t shock him any longer”

“I can’t hurt him any more”

“Give him his dignity”

Saturday

She looks into my eyes. Holds my hand

Tells me she can’t save me

I already know

I squeeze her hand

Thank you

She looks into my eyes. Holds my hand

She’s letting me go

I squeeze her hand

I love you

Author detailsAilin Mohajeri, Final Year Medical Student

Monash University, Melbourne, VIC.

Correspondence: ailin552ATyahoo.com.au

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©The Medical Journal of Australia 2006 www.mja.com.au PRINT ISSN: 0025-729X ONLINE ISSN: 1326-5377