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In the first instance your thoughts may be that this chap, who is otherwise well and rarely attends the surgery, is unlikely to have any physical and psychological problems. However, even if your gut feeling is that this is a purely spiritual problem, it is wise to explore wider issues...
Take a good history; be sure she is not pregnant. Take her through the contraceptive options including mechanisms of action for the combined oral contraceptive pill, progestogen-only pill (POP), male and female condoms, Depo-Provera injection, Implanon and the new patch system. Only prescribe what your conscience allows you to. For...
This patient has a clear agenda - he does not want to use steroid cream. You should first decide to explore his ideas and concerns further; many patients have quite unfounded fears about side effects from different treatments. It would also be reasonable to go through the evidence that suggests...
There is no straightforward answer to this one and it is not an uncommon scenario for a GP. Many doctors would consider this as a ‘heartsink patient’. Our attitudes as Christians have got to be different though. The man before you is loved by God and, however desperate his situation appears...
Response to Enigma 5: You are a surgical house officer. An 87 year old lady has been admitted with an acute abdomen. She is too frail for surgery and is for supportive treatment only. She has been put 'not for resuscitation'. She is currently comfortable and your consultant has asked...
It is very easy to feel judgmental in this situation. From my experience, it is likely that the woman will actually be quite upset. We must remember God's love for her, despite the apparent attitude she has towards her unborn baby. God loved us even when we were still sinners.[1]...
Initially you need to take a good history that includes gynaecological basics such as details of her cycle. You also need to consider the reasons behind her request. Before launching into a lecture about contraception, make sure you have elicited all her ideas, concerns and expectations. Further questions would include: is...
This is a difficult and emotionally charged area. One of the most important points to remember is that this couple has already experienced a great deal of emotional and psychological pain. We must be sensitive to this and respond to them with compassion and love. We need to treat them...
In this new column I intend to stimulate your mind, challenge your brain cells and encourage you to think biblically about some of the clinical situations you will come across as you go on in your medical career. Each issue will have a new question to be puzzled over and...
