A lot of times when we talk about our health we naturally think of ourselves first before anything else, perhaps if you are a parent then you may put your kids before you, even that, it is not all the time, naturally man tend to have a selfish inclination that one would have to be conscious about if they wish to do better.
And so it becomes pertinent that while we seek medical care and attention, especially regarding our eyes or our sight, we do not neglect our family whether it be nuclear or extended. What I am sharing with us today was inspired by one of my patients I saw today and the effort she put in for her family I was so excited, I said I have to share this with the science community on the blockchain.
Story Time
So this patient of mine is a 35-year-old female who has been diagnosed with glaucoma for almost a decade now. She is very well-informed about her condition and she is one of the most compliant patients I have yet to encounter. She never misses her appointment and her drugs are never completely out of stock.
What I loved most about her though was the fact that anytime she was coming for a reveal she came with the family. She has 3 beautiful kids, one boy and two girls who are quite stubborn because they always turn my consulting room upside down and won't listen to any instructions I give them but anytime they come we get to take a look at their eyes and measure their pressures.
Sometimes she also comes with the husband for us to take a look at him to ensure that he is well and that his vision is optimal. Now what I found was that all the kids have the signs of glaucoma but their pressure has been quite normal since they started coming in, now pediatrics is a delicate department of healthcare because most often their parameters and results may differ a bit from adults, i mean what's normal for them may not be normal for adults.
Currently, they are being monitored and for that, I would say is a big plus to their mother for her effort, as they grow older they would fit the necessary test to check their retinal nerve integrity and perhaps another glaucoma test, for now, their cup to disc ratios ain't so bad so long as their pressures continue to stay down, they are a bit safe.
Conlusion
Now what's the moral of the story, a lot of patients come in with medical conditions that tend to have genetic implications for which they may even be asked to bring their families and kids for care and they do not do so until things get out of hands or it is too late. I quite remember a patient of mine who was complaining bitterly about how her dad died blind due to glaucoma and he never told any of the family to check their eyes.
And now a good number of her siblings have lost some amount of vision which could perhaps have been prevented had the Dad done his due diligence with them. And so please let's make an effort for our families, loved ones, and even friends, don't be too selfish with your healthcare alone. Sharing is caring, that's how love works. I look forward to hearing about your family's visit to the primary care provider soon. Thanks for reading and for your time. Cheers!