A Reignited Dialogue: Insights Gained from a Teacher’s Illness

By Damane Zehra

Recently, an unexpected phone call transported me back in time. The caller was my former Urdu instructor, a woman I cherished for her gentle nature and nurturing spirit. She had significantly influenced my life in school, consistently demonstrating kindness and wisdom. It was a joy to reconnect, yet the conversation soon shifted to a grave matter—she had been suffering from a high-grade fever and was reaching out for assistance.

What began as a routine inquiry evolved into a profound journey rich with emotion, contemplation, and vital medical and ethical insights.

The Enigmatic Fever

She recounted her experience at a government hospital where a series of diagnostic tests were conducted—blood tests, chest X-rays, and abdominal ultrasounds. While most outcomes were typical, her white blood cell count had risen slightly, and her C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were elevated. These are general indicators of inflammation or infection but do not point immediately to a specific cause.

Preemptive intravenous antibiotics were administered, and her fever subsided within days. However, her CRP levels continued to climb, raising concerns. Feeling uncomfortable in the hospital setting, she chose to continue her treatment at home with a nearby clinic.

A Complicated Medical Background

My teacher’s medical history was intricate. Some years prior, she had undergone treatment for hepatitis C and also battled hypothyroidism and uncontrolled hypertension. She admitted to inconsistently using captopril for her blood pressure, a risky and poor approach for a chronic issue. Like many women who juggle the roles of wife, mother, and professional, she had overlooked her own health while tending to others.

Initially, despite her extensive medical history, I suspected she might have been facing a viral infection—especially since several people within my social circles had been dealing with lingering viral ailments around that time. I wasn’t sure she had required antibiotics initially.

Yet, the more I learned, the more discomforted I became.

Second Opinions and Subtle Misjudgments

She sought a second opinion. Given my background in healthcare, I felt a moral obligation to assist—but I recognized that my expertise had limitations. I contemplated referring her to the costly hospital I was associated with, but its location and price were overwhelming, particularly considering her assumed financial situation.

Instead, I remembered a close and skilled friend—an internist who had recently established her evening private practice near my teacher’s home. She was working to build her patient base but possessed significant clinical expertise. I reached out to her, asking her to see my former teacher, but I specifically requested she not disclose our friendship—fearing our referral might be perceived as a business promotion. She playfully agreed.

The Diagnosis: Enteric Fever

Following the consultation, my friend called me with surprising news: my teacher exhibited all the classic signs of enteric (typhoid) fever, a diagnosis that mandates specific antibiotics. The government hospital’s inclination to commence IV antibiotics had been correct in principle but flawed in application—they simply selected the wrong medication. My friend quickly revised the treatment and optimized my teacher’s blood pressure management.

She neither over-investigated nor overcharged, exemplifying the core of ethical clinical care. For that, I felt immense gratitude.

Lessons Beyond Medicine

This experience was humbling on multiple fronts.

Firstly, I acknowledged the flaw in my initial assessment. Despite my position within the medical field, I had misjudged her condition, suggesting it was viral without sufficient evidence. Had my teacher followed my misguided guidance, she could have suffered significant complications. It reinforced the importance of recognizing medical boundaries—when to provide assistance, and when to refer to an expert.

Secondly, I became aware of my unfair skepticism regarding the clinicians at the government hospital. Although their resources are constrained, many possess sharp diagnostic acumen honed through years of experience in demanding environments. Advanced degrees and prestigious affiliations do not solely define expertise.

Thirdly, my viewpoint on financial sensitivity evolved. I had presumed she was incapable of affording further treatment, and that assumption influenced my decisions. In safeguarding her from potential expenses, I nearly underestimated serious medical needs. It served as a wake-up call: while being economical is prudent, excessive frugality can obscure professional judgment.

Gratitude and Reflection

I felt uplifted witnessing the convergence of compassion and competence in my friend’s care. It also heightened my awareness of the blessings in my life—the ability to connect individuals, to provide care in both minor and significant ways, and to be surrounded by committed professionals who embody the true essence of medicine.

My teacher’s path to recovery continues, and I pray for her complete restoration. Concurrently, I feel immense pride in my friend—not only for being an exceptional doctor but for upholding values that matter deeply.