The First Thing Her Husband Asked

Disclaimer: Some medical and sensitive terms used in this context are for knowledge purposes.

Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.

An elderly lady came to the gynaecology clinic for a regular follow-up due to pelvic organ prolapse. She already underwent a surgery to repair, but the same problem happened once again and what made it worsened this time was the problem started to interfere with her urination and causing her to have difficulty in passing urine. I was attached to a medical officer (MO), and the patient told the doctor that she felt really uncomfortable, not only when she wanted to pass urine, but also when she stood for a long time. Gravity made it easy to find a way out.

The doctor told her that the only way to solve this problem is actually to undergo another surgery called colpocleisis, which is a procedure to fully close the vagina so that it won't protrude through the vagina, hang down and disturb her during either standing or walking. She hesitated, unsure of what to decide and what to say. She wanted to discuss with her husband, so the doctor told her to call her husband. Her husband entered the room and the doctor started explaining about his wife condition and what might need to be done (inc the surgery of permanent closure of the vagina). The husband listened to the explanation attentively. The wife sat down quietly, looked worried and a bit anxious. The doctor stopped talking.

The first thing her husband asked, "Will this surgery help her with her urinary problem?" 

I was quite surprised as the doctor didn't mention about his wife urinary problem at first. I was expecting him to ask more about the surgery instead. His concerned face couldn't be hidden. He looked really worried. His concern towards his wife was as if he was the one who would have to undergo the surgery. He knew everything about his wife from the next appointment in a different hospital to medications his wife was on. He also read about his wife condition, so that he would really understand the issue and he tried to find the best solution for his wife. Hashtag relationship goals they say. Deep in my heart, I wish I will meet someone who will really love me, care about me and want to grow old together with me, just like how this couple treats each other. They also remind me of my grandparents. "Unto death we apart," my late grandfather promised to my grandmother.

I also really adore on how the MO tackled this issue and answered enquiries from both of them. She made sure that both of them know the risks of the surgery and she provided them with useful information if they choose to do or not to do the surgery. I enjoyed time spent, attached myself to this doctor. At first, to be honest, I thought she was not a student-friendly doctor, especially when she told us to go to other rooms instead of everyone be in the same room. But, actually, she just wanted to make sure that the room is not too crowded. I tried to approach her again alone and she allowed me to attach to her. Since then, she gave me chances to get involved with the discussion of the cases. One week in the clinic was not enough, and I wish I get more time to be there.