WILLPOWER MELTDOWN SOMETIMES

A fifty-year-old man was hospitalized for a cerebral stroke. He presented with mild hemiparesis in his left hand. I read his chart a nurse had written; he said, “I told an attending doctor that the weakness in my left hand had worsened slightly since yesterday. The doctor just answered ‘I see.’ I suppose he isn’t interested in it.” I was shocked. I didn’t mean it. His condition is stable, but his symptoms are fluctuating. For example, if he works hard for his paralyzed hand, the next day he may feel dull. I suppose I said “I see. Your symptoms are fluctuating. I’ll observe carefully.” I should have paid more attention to how he felt when I explained. Even though the change was too slight to recognize for me, he got nervous very much. He can walk, speak, and eat independently. He can go home. But rehabilitation staffed recommended continuing his hospitalization for further training in order to work again. I don’t think he needs it.