A Cuticular Romance

Author:  Anne F. Liu, MD (1)

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Brief Excerpt:  

…Among my patients was a man I’ll call Henry. He was a 64-year-old former EMS dispatcher who was a victim of his best intention. While trying to break up a fight in the 1970s, he ended up with a bullet in his spine. This began a life of paraplegia that had culminated in a neuropathic foot wound and osteomyelitis. Despite his shriveled legs, which he kept covered with a white blanket, Henry was a commanding figure. He had a deep voice reminiscent of a Soul singer and his eyes glittered with attention and intelligence during conversations. He didn’t suffer fools, especially not ones with stethoscopes draped decoratively around their necks.

He wasn’t as convinced as his physicians about the severity of his osteomyelitis or the need for an amputation. He briefly staged a disappearing act until sepsis compelled him to return to the hospital.

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Affiliation:

1. Brigham and Women’s Hospital