The doctor felt that his patient would be a good candidate for the medication trial.
He was saying, “As part of the program you are required to call me daily. Is that a problem?”
“No. That’s fine.”
“That’s good because I need to make notes for a report on how the trial goes.”
“Yes. I understand.”
“Now, they’ll be no prescription or going to the chemist for this. I will do the necessary paperwork now and provide you with the medication.”
He typed away for a few minutes, then he handed her a small box of pills and a consent form. She took the box and signed.
“OK. You’ll see on the label there are ten tablets, to be taken one a day with a full glass of water; preferably last thing at night. That way you can call me on the following day.”
“Thank you doctor. I really appreciate you letting me get on this trial program.”
First call: “Hello doctor. I must say I was a little surprised that I have swollen feet and ankles. It seems to have come on so fast. Is that going to be a problem?
“No, not at all. That’s to be expected at this point in the treatment. I have a list here, provided by the pharmaceutical manufacturer, and that condition is a perfectly normal response at this stage.
Second call: “Good morning doctor. I noticed first thing this morning some flaking skin and several small black heads.”
“This is nothing to worry about, perfectly normal.”
Third call: “Hello doctor. Today I have several small boils and mouth ulcers.”
“OK. Nothing to concern us there.”
Fourth call: “Hello doctor. I am experiencing some really bad headaches and an attack of migraine.”
“Any vertigo?”
“No.”
“OK. I little unusual but no matter.”
Fifth call: “Good morning. I have to tell you that I have extremely itchy skin and during the night suffered quite badly with leg cramps several times.”
“Ah! That’s interesting; let me see now. No, that’s to be expected. Not a problem, Thank you.”
Sixth call: “Yes. Doctor. Well, today I am suffering from double vision and poor balance. I have to say, this program is really taking it out of me.”
“OK I’ve noted that. Look, you’re doing very well. I certainly recommend that you persist.”
“Thank you doctor.”
Seventh call: “Hello doctor. I have been feeling quite dizzy all day and did have an attack of vertigo.”
“Oh! It’s interesting that vertigo is a symptom being experienced at this late stage in the program. That will be a significant point for the report.”
“Goodbye doctor.”
Eighth call: “Hello. Doctor, I have to tell you that I am feeling very poorly.”
“I see, what are your symptoms?”
“Symptoms, yes, well, the rash has now virtually covered my whole body, stopping me from getting any sleep.”
Ninth call: “Hello. Is that you doctor?”
“Yes. I’m here.”
“Doctor, I have to say that I can’t go on with this program.”
“Look. I’m sure it’s hard. You do need to tell me your symptoms.”
“I feel awfully fatigued and,” a long bout of coughing, “yes, a terrible cough and I am feeling nauseous all the time and I feel horribly bloated… and I’m getting very irritable. I just can’t go on.”
After a pause. “That would be a pity. You only have one tablet left to take don’t you?”
“Well, yes, but…”
“I do have to point out that these tablets are extremely expensive, but they are only provided free to the trial patients… unless they do not complete the full course, that is.”
“Really?”
“Yes. This was explained in the consent form.”
“Oh!”
“At more than a thousand dollars a tablet, I don’t think you want to do that.”
“No, doctor.”
Tenth call: not made. No call came in during the day.
The doctor looked at his unfinished report and muttered, “I’ll have to call her tomorrow.”
