The New York Times runs occasional essays about patients living with diseases and doctors who dedicate a lifetime to treating a particular condition. The power of words makes the reality of the consequences of these illnesses tangible. And they allow patients and doctors to tell their stories, to have a voice. I found this story about a woman who has lived with sickle cell disease especially interesting http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/09/health/09essa.html?ref=health. So many sickle cell patients are disrespected and discounted as drug seekers. Often times, doctors and nurses accuse these patients are faking the pain to get pills. But if you take the time to listen, you may see the pain they are living with and their desire to keep living.
This and other stories are archived in the Health section on the New York Times web site.
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