A Physician as a Patient: Lessons in Health Literacy and Humility

The Importance of Health Literacy for All
Even well-trained doctors have a lot to learn, and sometimes they learn it at the most unexpected times—such as at 5:30 in the morning from a vascular disease fellow making rounds. Health literacy is vital at all ages and in all professions.

As a physician, I found myself in a humbling position when I became a patient outside my field of expertise. I knew just enough to be scared about potential complications but not enough to fully understand the procedures, drugs, and doses being administered to prevent these problems.

This journey has been a valuable learning experience, highlighting the importance of being a Force For Health for yourself.

Preparing for Surgery
Two years ago, the Force For Health Network presented lessons on preoperative and postoperative care, which became incredibly relevant as I prepared for my own complex surgeries. I studied the hospital, the type of procedure, and what to expect during recovery. I am currently undergoing two procedures to stabilize my lower back, change my posture to prevent being pitched forward or backward, and open up my spinal canal to relieve nerve compression. This is a complicated condition, and I found myself learning valuable lessons along the way.

The First Night: A Lesson at 5:30 AM
At 5:30 in the morning, on the first night after surgery, a neurosurgery fellow made rounds and expressed satisfaction with my progress. He explained that while I could advance my diet, I still needed bedrest with limited activity. My surgery had been done from the front, using an anterior approach to access the spine and insert devices to adjust my posture and fuse weak areas. This phase of recovery requires being flat on my back without torsion or twisting to allow for partial healing before the second surgery.

Phases of Surgery: Understanding the Process
Phase 1: Anterior Approach
The first phase involved an anterior approach, dissecting back to the spine, removing a disk, and inserting devices to adjust my posture and fuse the bones. Recovery from this surgery involves being flat on my back to avoid any twisting or torsion that could disrupt the healing process.

Phase 2: Preoperative Preparation
Before the first surgery, I learned as much as I could about the procedures. I consulted with some of the best specialists in the world, ensured my insurance coverage, and understood the anatomy and physiology involved. I also prepared advance directives and life insurance documents, discussed with my family what to do if things went poorly, and organized my affairs.

Phase 3: Posterior Approach
The second surgery involved a posterior approach to open up the spinal canal, reduce compression, and stabilize the spine with rods and screws. This phase requires aggressive stabilization and immediate postoperative mobilization. Despite significant pain, I was encouraged to move to prevent complications like deep vein thrombosis and to promote healing.

Health Literacy in Action
During these phases, I experienced firsthand the importance of health literacy. For the anterior surgery, I had to understand the logic behind the procedures, the need for preoperative bowel preparation to reduce the risk of vomiting and constipation, and the use of compression stockings and blood thinners to prevent blood clots. After the second surgery, I had to transition from relying on compression stockings to using my own leg muscles to prevent blood clots through walking and physical activity.

The Irony of Learning
The irony is not lost on me that my memorable childhood experiences of falls, minor injuries, and the kindness and understanding shown by my parents and grandparents have shaped my career and now my patient experience. As a physician, I found myself in a position of learning and vulnerability, gaining new insights into patient care and health literacy.

A Force for Health Hero
This journey has reinforced the importance of health literacy for everyone, regardless of their professional background. It has also highlighted the compassion and dedication of healthcare providers who go the extra mile for their patients. The neurosurgery fellow’s early morning visit and explanation exemplified this commitment to patient care, reminding me that being a Force For Health often involves small, thoughtful gestures.

In conclusion, health literacy is a lifelong learning process, essential for all professions and ages. As I continue my recovery, I am grateful for the lessons learned and the support received from my healthcare team. These experiences have deepened my appreciation for the complexities of patient care and the importance of empathy and understanding in the healing journey.

Dr. Rob