Facing surgical fears and changing perceptions
Greeting Steemit Family
It has not been easy over the past couple of days, as I’ve been trying to hold a lot together. But I’ve come to learn that, as I often say, every new day is an experience in your life to draw a lesson from. While many may not see it that way, this past week has been completely different. It shifted from my usual routine into a week of fear, commitment, and, at the same time, trying to stay strong.
Yes, I had every reason to be scared. Surgery is not a process I’ve ever admired. While we see it as a medical solution in some cases, it’s not easy watching a household member walk into the theater. Many want to see it only as a last resort because we are not willing to accept it as a valid solution. There are many reasons for this: our culture and in some cases, religious beliefs. So, accepting surgery becomes a major decision for some individuals and families.
While my opinion still stands with my belief in science, I can not deny that I still experience hesitation due to the possibility of human error in the medical field. And this is not only about the doctors, we also consider the infrastructure, the qualifications of the anesthetist, the history of past cases, etc. Even if you trust the medical procedure, fear naturally kicks in when someone you care about walks into that theater.
I’m very sure many families have lost loved ones because they delayed or completely rejected surgery. Over the past few days, I’ve spent some time around the surgical ward, and I’ve come to realize how expensive surgical procedures are. This alone puts many families in a difficult position, between making a financial commitment or seeking other options, even when surgery is the only real solution.
Some of these unfortunate situations arise because of what one of the nurses referred to as “Quarter doctors.” This practice of listening to half-trained or unqualified individuals has led to the death of many loved ones. It's rooted in fear of surgery. Many people in my community are still between traditional and modern medical practices. Quarter doctors do not know your full medical history, but they’ll still prescribe treatments. Some will even go as far as interpreting lab results as if they were professionals. These are not the kinds of people you want to listen to when facing a serious medical issue.
Surgical fear is what drives people to these “quarter doctors.” Success stories are not shared as much as the negative ones. You will hear stories about people who went into surgery and died, but rarely about those who came out and lived full lives. For example, I lost my aunt in surgery some time ago, and that memory became a prayer point for others hoping not to meet the same fate. Yet, we have many successful surgical cases in the same family that go unspoken.
Note, stepping onto a plane or a bus is no different from walking into a surgical theater. Things can happen. We do not plan for them, and we can not turn back time to change them.
The fear of surgery in our communities requires strong efforts in education and awareness. Public perception needs to shift, and the medical sector must send out more positive messages. People need to understand that surgery is a standard medical procedure and not just a last resort. Often, doctors suggest surgery later in treatment because of cost, not because it’s unnatural, as some cultures believe.
The standard of living in my community is low, and many doctors do their best to provide affordable care. But when a case becomes critical, surgery is suggested, which makes the community feel like it's a desperate or final step. Perhaps it would have been the best solution earlier, but would the patient have been able to afford it?
It will take time for surgical procedures to be normalized and accepted in communities like mine. The financial burden alone is enough to cause fear, and it’s only when the surgery is successful that the smiles return.
Cheers
Thanks for dropping by
@fombae
Surgery is a thing that put fear in most people heart, I remember visiting the hospital for medical examination and I was documented for surgery my mind skipped because of a lot of things that will be demanded;
One funding; the cost of undergoing surgery is huge so I decline as my case was minimal one. Other prescription was given to tackle the situation.
Secondly pains,the pains once has to go through during surgical operation can be traumatizing so seeking good medical team is a must.
I rarely patronize quack nurses that's how we call them over here,the unprofessional nurse who learn from backyard can worsen the situation because they don't have the right knowledge on how to handle a particular situation.
Thank you for sharing your experience about surgery in your community and the way people over there often view it.
I enjoy reading this article
0.00 SBD,
0.25 STEEM,
0.25 SP
My dear, a lot of people’s hearts are broken by the African mentality of preferring traditional methods over modern approaches in the health sector. Our culture and religious beliefs have contributed to slowing down our reasoning when it comes to certain scientific facts.
I understand, it’s not easy to accept the idea of being cut open. Especially when it involves areas like the stomach, throat, or head. No one is ready to have fun with that! LOL
Yeah, the cost is really high, and that’s why we have always seen surgical procedures as a last resort for our medical problems. Then again, I feel that medical personnel have been putting a lot of patients through unnecessary pain by delaying the best and most effective solution.
Surgery might be expensive, but it is often the safest way to handle certain situations. Most of the time, they try other options to avoid the cost, only to eventually come back to surgery in the end.
We are still scared of surgery, and that's mainly because people keep sharing the few cases that did not go well. But let’s talk more about the success stories of surgical procedures and understand that medical errors can happen at any level. No matter the method of treatment you choose.
@nsisong2022, thanks for dropping by my post.
0.00 SBD,
0.07 STEEM,
0.07 SP
There's no how people will stop talking about their ordeal especially when it has to do with sensitive part like eyes, one of our family member who had minor eye problem went for and operation for him to see properly currently the situation is worsen,he can't see again anymore he stays indoor althrough he is regretting why he went for eye surgery that he would have allow it the way it was.
These feel sad and pathetic, although many have successes in their surgery,some are still left unsuccessful.
My suggestion doctor's who worsen people situation should be sue to court because most of them will not acquired the necessary knowledge they will run to open their private clinic because they are licence. This is just my thought
0.00 SBD,
8.07 STEEM,
8.07 SP
You are perfectly right. Many medical errors have handicapped patients. But that shouldn't stop us from seeing the positive side of modern medicine. Even our traditional methods have not always been safe.
Can you imagine cooked herbs that are kept for days, left to ferment, and we are still asked to keep drinking them? Then there’s the case of traditional doctors who have to cut your body with a roasted blade. Truth be told, these practices have serious side effects, which we often don’t follow up on. Even when a patient dies, we rarely take a moment to consider that the cause might have come from these unhealthy treatments.
As for modern methods, yes, human error is a risk we are bound to encounter. But that's why technology has come into play to help reduce those errors. Some of the human errors are even punishable by law. We can sue the medical personnel if necessary. Still, once the damage is done, let’s learn from that mistake and educate others.
Human bodies do not all respond the same way, so we should avoid quickly blaming medical personnel every time something goes wrong.
0.00 SBD,
7.80 STEEM,
7.80 SP
Thank you Sir for this exposure have actually learn from interacting with you concerning these special aspects of life.
This is very true, different people has different immune system and the way they respond to treatment is different.
Thank you for such knowledge of bringing me back into another dimension of learning.
I greatly appreciate your time and engagement towards these critical issue.
0.00 SBD,
0.08 STEEM,
0.08 SP
Upvoted! Thank you for supporting witness @jswit.
Hello @fombae, thank you for your contribution to our account.