Invisible Pain

Today I interpreted for a patient that really took made the emotions sink to the heart. It wasn’t any significant case, anything out of the ordinary, what made it so emotional was the fact that it was the norm in society today.

50 year old female

Concerns about her lost of weight, lost of hair, and a growing sensation of weakness.

Had previous abdominal pains which she tried to come to clinic for but found that it was closed. Went to Mercy Hospital in Sacramento to have them run blood tests, urine sample and her vitals. Only to be prescribed stomach pain medicine, at which she felt better.

So what was the issue? That’s what I kept wondering.

Her vitals were normal, she appeared fine, nothing out of the ordinary

The MS seemed to believe the same and when she left to discuss with the preceptors I was left to engage in small talk with her.

She had moved to the US 3 and a half years ago. Had high hopes that her hard work as an bank teller were paying off and success on the way. She had two sons, both currently in their 20’s going to school. With no English and no one to turn to she knew she had to find money fast to pay for her two son’s tuition, their gas money, their cars, providing food on the table, her home etc. The only viable option was doing nails. The trade school only lasted 2.5 months, meaning she could go out and start earning money fast. Again though, her hopes were let down after getting the nail job. She explained to me that businesses love their efficiency and that stylists tend to get paid based on how many customers they see. Someone like herself, over 50, knows little English, is constantly passed up by younger girls working there. As a result she’s seen as inferior to the other girls and the manager as well, leaving her helpless as she strives for that big income. In addition with the winter, business is literally cut in half. It costs her 10 dollars gas-wise to go to the shop and back. Some days she earn 15.00 total, at which the manager takes 40% leaving her with 9. Do the math, she LOST money going to fucking work. In addition. that stomach pain she was feeling? Her visit costed her 2k. No insurance. They’ve sent her the bill twice already.

When asked is she was stressing out, damn right she was.The hair loss, the sensation of weakness, her low income, paying for her son’s tuition, her mortgage, supporting her family. Everything made sense.

We were also told to ask every female patient whether they wanted to do a mammogram event on March and that a pre-screening would take place today if she wanted to. She obliged. The preceptor did a CBC only to find a mass. She was referred for a mammogram immediately. 

I don’t know how many of you actually got to this point, but my point is: If I were in her shoes, I’d be crying. With so much on her shoulders, and a potential breast cancer case, I honestly don’t know how one could carry on. Yet the whole time I was talking to her alone, that hour and a half as we waited for the preceptor, she just told me her story with laughs and smiles in between. I was more stunned by her ease than the severity of her problems. 

From her character and persona it was pretty obvious, she’s the type that just marches on. Her problems? They were her’s and her’s only. She didn’t have time to mope around and cry. Everything she does was for the family. 

That’s the definition of a hero, working from the background, never expecting thanks or comfort. As long as the family benefited at any amount she had to keep going. 

I was told by my clinical manager a few months ago: ” The way I see it, I see each and every patient as if they were my own parents”.

I finally understand what he means now.

As she left she came up to me and told me thanks with a grin. Although I did nothing but listen and interpret (horribly), I was glad I heard her story. I really hope I took a little load off of her by being there to let her tell someone her side.

The sacrifice of a few quiet heroes truly does benefit the mass. Fuck I’m crying.