Last week I attended the monthly local medical society meeting at the Benton Club in St. Joseph. The bartender gave me a tour, attempting to squeeze in every highlight of its 100+ year history, while all the other member physicians gathered and greeted each other in the reception hall. Soon we were watching a local cardiologist give a presentation on the use of a non-invasive CT Scan to compute in seconds the risk of a heart attack in patients.

As I watched the colorful pictures on the screen, I thought of my mother, who passed away at a fairly young age after living with “heartburn” for years, that was treated with medications for indigestion. Being a woman and a diabetic are both major factors that confound the symptoms of heart disease. A slightly higher index of suspicion could have saved her life and one of the newer diagnostic tools such as the Coronary Calcium Scan could have kept her health in check.

My thoughts shifted to one of my recent patients, a 93-year-old woman with advanced venous disease in her legs. She was brought to my clinic in a wheelchair by her two daughters. When I asked her what changes she hoped to accomplish, she promptly responded, “Can you help me get me out of this wheelchair?”. There was no hesitation in her voice as she expressed her desire to not only live longer but also enjoy her life along the way.

Life is a beautiful journeyI witness the daily hopes and aspirations of numerous patients like this amazing woman who is 93 years “young”. Some have the usual symptoms of heaviness in the legs, cramps, restlessness, and swelling. Many others have lived long enough with vein problems in their legs and present with clots or sores in their legs. Hope tends to be contagious. Earlier this week, while treating a patient who came with a clot in her leg, I found out that her husband was also on my schedule. He has lived with swelling and sores in his legs for many years. She indicated with pride that, “I diagnosed his problem myself and told him to come and see you”. I won’t be surprised if he will soon be able to enjoy the full use of his legs without the constant fear of ongoing pain, infection, or even risk of amputation.

My kids did not have an opportunity to spend time with my mother, their grandmother, and I never had a chance to be her doctor. I take consolation from knowing that my work allows many of my patients to enjoy a longer, healthier life. Life is much more beautiful when mothers and grandmothers are part of the journey.

Sam Gupta, M.D.