Member-only story
The Knock at My Door:
When My Neighbor Thought She Was Dying!
Yesterday, my neighbor Sandra Peterson walked slowly to my house. I hadn’t expected her to visit, since she was still recovering from the gall bladder surgery she had two weeks ago.
Her face told the whole story before she even spoke — pale, drawn, lips cracked from dehydration. She clutched a crumpled stack of papers in one trembling hand. I quickly ushered her inside and eased her onto the couch, alarmed by how fragile she seemed.
Holding her hand, I asked,”What is the matter, Sandra- I thought you were home recuperating.”
She said, “Please look at the lab results my provider emailed me. I feel worse now than I did before my gall bladder surgery. I called the doctor to get an appointment today, but they told me to wait until my scheduled visit next week, which is three weeks after my operation. I asked about the lab report, but the secretary said the provider already reviewed it and would see me next week. I feel so bad, I might not make it until then!”
I needed to help Sandra understand what was happening in her body.
“Let me explain what happens during surgery,” I said, pulling my chair closer.
