Living on the edge.

Abstract

This essay describes a remarkable patient with severe medical and psychological problems who died a tragic death when she was only 46 years old. Despite suffering early coronary artery disease, persistent abuse from her spouse, and caring for a daughter with severe physical handicaps, the patient did not complain or seek pity for her condition. Rather, through her belief in God and a focus on the day forward rather than the day behind, she reminds clinicians that the sum of a person's life is more than their medical problems. After the patient's death, her husband's medical problems force him to seek care; this raised ethical issues because the doctor who was treating him also cared for his wife.