P.O.V.

The story-telling term POV = Point of View

I recently had the privilege of sharing a meal of comfort food (pepperoni pizza, “to die for” meatballs, apple streusel and lemon-lime seltzer) with a group of world-class healthcare professionals.  Amidst the chaotic cacophony of criss-crossing conversations, it was brought to my attention by these faithful blog readers that my digital diary offered them a patient’s point of view that they hadn’t realized or imagined.

They weren’t really all that aware of what goes on in the mind of a typical patient - though I would hardly characterize my mind as “typical.”  They didn’t lack empathy, rather they hadn’t really had the time or access or feedback to truly explore how any given patient could be reacting to all of the processes and procedures/poking and prodding going on around them and in to them, during a lengthy course of treatment.

It fascinated me that they were fascinated by what I was able to share through periodic postings which gave them a glimpse into the view from inside the bed.  I sensed that it not only intrigued and enlightened them to see medicine from the patient’s POV, but could enhance their care-giving with this new understanding.

This often overwhelming journey continues to be an amazing learning experience, and now I’ve learned that others in this world are also growing from what I’m going through.  Aside from the efficiency of all this multi-layered “knowledging” - it’s gratifying to feel reciprocal helpfulness to those who are healing me.