One of My Patients - Yulisa

Last week in Poptun I took the history of a patient that seemed like many others, but as we moved through the questions she got more guarded.  We relocated to a more private location as I broached more sensitive subjects and her horrifying story unfolded – incest, rape, preteen pregnancy, and the tragic murder of her son all before she turned 15 years old.  Things couldn’t get much worse, but they also didn’t get much better in the years since then.  I did my best to listen, reassure, and offer support.  Eventually I found Orfe, who says the most moving and sincere prayers I’ve ever heard.  When I’m at a loss for what to do, I often turn to her for support for me and the patient – the patients get such comfort from praying together and it’s something I just can’t offer well in English, much less in Spanish.  We cried together and I offered the woman a hug before submitting to the long line of patients behind her. 

Later that day she returned for her result, and handed me a warm black bag.  She said, “I left and knew I had to do something to let you know how much you helped me this morning.  It isn’t much, but I made these tamales and hope you enjoy them.”  I was so moved, and tried to say something appropriate in Spanish (it is at times like this that my Spanish fails me most) to express my gratitude.  Again, the waves of patients cut the moment short, but she seemed content and I was relieved to give her a normal pap smear result.  At the end of the day we all enjoyed the tamales as a reminder of the non-medical impact we can make in these patients’ lives.  (And yes, they were delicious, especially since lunch often comes and goes without us pausing for a break.  Some of you will be very lucky if I learn how to make them before returning to the US – they’re on my list!)