Over the years, I have been asked many difficult questions. And just when I feel like I have come up with answers to all of them, a patient will ask a question I have never heard before. So, I have made a list of the five most common questions I have been asked over the years. And these are followed by the best answers I have developed. These are answers I have etched in my mind to make it easier for me to best communicate with patients. In other words, these are my canned answers. I hope by my writing them here these will be helpful to you too.
So, here are the five most common questions patients ask followed by my canned response.
What is it like when you wake up from a ventilator?
When you are on a ventilator you will be put into a deep sleep. And when you wake up it will be just like if you are waking up from a deep sleep. You may even remember the sweet dreams you had while sleeping.
What is it like to die?
I wish I knew what it was like to die. I do not know.
How long will I live?
Only God knows the answer to that.
The doctor said I had X time to live? Is this true, do you think?
Look, I have seen people with your disease live for ten years after a doctor said that. Only God knows how long you will live. I know it's scary when doctors say things like this. But only God knows.
Why do doctors say such things as, "You have end-stage COPD" or "You have only 2 years to live!" It's scary when they say such things?
I understand it's scary when doctors say things like this. Still, I think it's important. It helps you to see the seriousness of your condition so you take it seriously. It's important for doctors to be honest with you.
These are difficult questions I have been asked. What are difficult questions you have been asked? What is your short and sweet response? Please let us know in the comments below
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