A friend of mine had bought a package tour deal to go to Vietnam on a two week holiday. He had done this early this year and was looking forward to the trip.
Three weeks ago, he had severe pain in his back and he was laid up in a hospital with daily physio therapy etc and was discharged just six days ago. He was asked to continue the therapy by going to the hospital as an out patient every day and start walking around.
Considering his condition, he tried to cancel the tour but was told by the tour operator that he would lose up to 95% of the paid up sum as it was very late.
My friend went to the orthopedist looking after him and asked him his opinion. That wise old man said, take your pain killer medication at need and continue the exercises that you can do without the machines, and enjoy yourself. This is not a life threatening problem that you have and you should take the risk instead of losing all that money.
My friend rang me up from the airport to inform me that he and his wife were just about to board the aircraft to leave on their vacation!
A very wise orthopedist! Of course even if he hadn’t agreed to the holiday, your friend could always have “defied doctor’s orders” as the phrase goes….
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Rummuser Reply:
April 29th, 2012 at 21:02
True, but being my contemporary in age, he would more likely forego the payment already made, if the doctor had advised him against it.
Good for him! I wish him a happy trip.
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Rummuser Reply:
April 29th, 2012 at 21:02
As I write this, he is having a ball.
The holiday might be just the distraction your friend needs.
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Rummuser Reply:
April 29th, 2012 at 21:03
As I write this, I am told that it indeed is.
sometimes happy state of mind beats a sick body!
at the very least making it more fun to feel bad?
good for him!
Rummuser Reply:
April 29th, 2012 at 21:03
Exactly what I told him, but naturally in different words.
Yes! That’s a great doctor.
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Rummuser Reply:
April 29th, 2012 at 21:03
I’m sure it is the best medicine…and with more walking which he will probably endure
his back will thank him. Having a relaxing holiday is just the ticket…great doctor to say “just go!”
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Rummuser Reply:
April 29th, 2012 at 21:04
We need more doctors like that.
…and I am thinking as I read, the doctor will say – no problem, i’ll buy the package from you at 50% cost and throw in a 10% off on my consulting charges – and go myself. you recuperate – that would have been an even better story.
Rummuser Reply:
April 29th, 2012 at 21:04
I am not surprised that you did not make it to medical school.
Vignesh Reply:
April 30th, 2012 at 16:15
shame, isnt it ! and the ones from our family who did make it would have behaved exactly like this doctor! Double, shame
Rummuser Reply:
April 30th, 2012 at 19:09
Tch, tch!
Great story and a quality doctor at that. Most physicians would have erred too far on the side of caution. I hope your friend brings you something nice back. lol
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Rummuser Reply:
April 29th, 2012 at 21:09
He did ask me what to bring and I have requested for a nice Vietnamese lady. His wife, also my friend, however is unlikely to let him oblige me.
Sensible doctor – we’ll all be a long time dead. Hope all is going well with them.
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Rummuser Reply:
April 29th, 2012 at 21:10
As I write this, they are having a ball.
I think I would like this doctor if I had a serious medical problem. I like the way he looks at the whole picture and uses common sense.
Rummuser Reply:
April 30th, 2012 at 19:06
They don’t make them like that anymore. From all accounts, this doctor is shortly to retire and is looking forward to it. I hope that he retires to where I live!