Temple of God

I use this phrase in different perspective today.

Context is, we're just back from a surgery that mom underwent, and it yet again brought me close to not just the awesomeness of the human body....... but to the wonder at how surgeons set it right when it goes wrong.

So much so, 'temple of god' seemed apt metaphor for hospital and doctor too.

Discharge from hospital: Menaka, taking back the wrist band and saying 'enka meeru patient kaadu' :)

And this is really more of a wonder because, for over two weeks, up until yesterday, the process was filled with fear, stress, pain, ignorance, anger, confusion........not pleasant feelings... so, for something like that to end in such absolutely happy space, did take a 'temple of god' experience.

(the phrase popped out at me from a book I was reading just now......almost like a perfect fit :)

As with any disorder, the situation started with intermittent symptoms. When they became persistent enough to shake the antennae was when mom saw fit to visit a Doc. One Doc and then another as the Docs said the symptoms were indicative of something scary, very scary in fact.

Then started the tests. Tests...waiting..results....docs...more tests....more docs...and that cycle went on for a longish bit. Simple tests to complex tests. Spread over two weeks. 

This is space for a lot of stress and fear.....we're at our most vulnerable

Under duress, we couldn't help but wonder at tests being repeated within days, some within a day....seemingly illogical. 

It's very easy at that stage to point fingers. Talk of what's wrong with the system. And we so easily pass judgement, judge not just the system, but those who are part of the system too....doctors included. And from our judgement comes anger and pain, and that's not a conducive space, definitely not for sustained healing to happen.

There was a lesson there.....'what do you want to focus on'

There are tests done thrice....there's a doctor who is gentle.
There are queues and waiting time....there's a lady who will smile and make you sit.
The parking was a dread.....there's a valet guy who's sweet.
There's a cafe that's closed.....there's a nurse who comes along with coffee

Which one are you seeing?

Focus on the positives....and you'll make that space grow. This was an experience that surely validated that.

Every facet of the hospital experience was so positive. Right from the gentle and kind surgeon, Dr. Prasad Raju, and CARE hospital....which so fully stood by it's title, where not just it's doctors but even the nurses, the ayahs, the lift boys (girls), the tea boys, the cleaning staff...each of them did such a sensitive and marvellous job, that I have no doubt that mom is on her way to full recovery.

A couple of instances in example......

When mom was in post operative, yet groggy from the anesthesia, and I was allowed to meet her, the doctor asks for her name, and then gently nudges her shoulder saying 'sukrutha, sukrutha......you did great, everything is good' until she registers it........ and then tells me all other details. There was such a personal touch in how he did it. A gesture that brought out the tear and the smile ...one that will stay with me. 

Two days later when we were leaving, if mom raised her hands in a full namasthe to him, I could so totally see why. It's not just about a super efficient surgery...it's about what he evoked in her.

Our nurses, Tia, Stephie and Menaka.....were so sweet and pleasant...that they made the poking, the many many pills and other intrusions seem even nice and welcome.

Another person who left an impression was Parvathi, one of the lift operators. Two days there, and I could empathize with how tough a job that could be in a hospital....the way she handled a really irate and huge man who was just screaming at her. Patient and firm. I was so impressed, I told not just her, but met her manager to give him the positive feedback.

The hospital was doing something right at it's leadership and philosophy level. Every single person there had a nice energy and positive demeanor to them....and it's such a critical component  in a space that's so fragile and difficult. 

Overall, an experience that made my attitude towards hospitals shift...from one of underlying suspicion and fear.....to one of honour and respect.

And mom....well, such a wonderful and easy patient you were ma. Even the doctor later asked me about her, whether she was working, whether she was a doctor...stuff like that.

She handled it all so well.....quiet, calm, no unnecessary drama, focused, all energy conserved towards handling the issue......yet another lesson in courage, stoicism and positivity.  Proud of you ma!