A Story to Remember

I remember clearly seeing a patient who was about to turn 100 years old.

She had pain in her right knee, and it wasn’t getting better.

I asked what she thought was causing it.

“How should I know? What do you expect at my age? I’m not getting any younger.” she said.

“How is your left knee?” I said.

“Just fine, why do you ask?” she replied.

“Just wondering why that knee doesn’t hurt too. Isn’t it the same age as your right knee?” I asked. She smiled and understood what I meant.

I suggested a mild pain reliever, warm soaks to the painful knee, and rest.

By the next week, her right knee felt about as good as her left knee.

Think about it.

I do, all the time. It keeps me on the right track when I try to help my older patients.