So one of my closest friends sent me this link this past week and it is totally awesome. A woman had the whole tip of her pinky chopped off and refused to let anyone tell her no when she asked to have it put back on. First of all it's absolutely amazing that we now have enough research into stem cells that someone can dip their finger in some stem cell powder and the tip of it will grow back. Not only that but it was several weeks after the trauma happened that she actually got treatment and she was still able to recover. This is all too familiar of say an episode of Futurama but it's actually happening in 2010. Although it was just her pinky finger it's still a positive sign that there is a lot of potential in the studying of stem cells.
The second thing I love the most about this article was this woman refused to hear no from her health care professionals. Working in the health field I see that the focus is becoming more on the quantity rather than the quality. In my pharmacy we're always being pushed to fill prescriptions as fast as possible like we're competing with McDonald's or some other fast food chain when the focus should be more on taking the time to actually review medications and be there for our patients when they most need us. This woman didn't stop until she convinced a doctor to take the time and actually look outside the box to save her pinky finger. I know most physicians are concerned with more than the cosmetic looks of a missing useless appendage but they should still be willing to listen to patients and help in whatever way is possible. After all, how else would we know about this amazing story unless her doctor went out on a limb and tried something new?
I heard about this story! I was really shocked how persistent she was. I know if someone of "authority" in the medical professional told me something couldn't be done I would just believe them and accept it. I'm still shocked she could get her finger fixed even after days went by! I'm still a little uncomfortable knowing there's some mystery material out there that can regrow body parts. It's definitely a peak into the future!!
ReplyDeleteYour blog reminds me of an episode of Family Guy where Peter walks into a stem cell research clinic to try and fix his deformed body caused by a stroke. After five minutes he comes out completely fine. Peter yells out, "Why aren't we funding this." Stem Cells have amazing potential and I would love to see them used more and more. They can be used to do alot more things then regenerate a severed pinky.
ReplyDeleteTo comment on the second part of your blog, I believe doctors should be more understanding to their patients' feelings. No matter what the reason was, this lady wanted part of her pinky back. The first doctor she visited should have took the necessary steps to fix it.
I read this story, too, and was equally amazed. First, the science behind it does feel quite futuristic (although, I cannot say I've seen that episode of Futurama...). On the one hand, I do believe that stem cell research holds incredible promise. But, on the other hand I do feel somewhat cautious, even suspicious, when I hear stem cells held up as a potential magic 'cure all.' Stem-cells may indeed prove to be the long-awaited answer for a number of chronic, painful, and debilitating diseases (which would be wonderful, to be sure). But, I also know that fads do exist in science. One generation's cure all becomes the next generation's crackpot science. So, I'm optimistic but cautions about the potential for stem cells. A second interesting point you bring up is the persistence of this woman in seeking care. I agree, when any health professional tells you "no", how likely are you to pursue other avenues of treatment? But I also wonder, is there a down side to not being able to hear "no" as an answer? Is there a time when, as a patient, you need to be able to hear that treatment isn't a viable option and accept the situation at hand? And, as health professionals, how can we encourage our patients to be proactive and involved in their care, respect their right to ask questions, and support their efforts to find the best care available? Are their times as health professionals when we need to be the 'voice of reason' for patients who are looking for a cure that doesn't exist?
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