by Dr. Bill Maynard | Jan 6, 2024 | Writings
On the Brink “Can you give me something to just control the diarrhea? It’s so bad, and I’m so weak that sometimes…” Valerie’s voice trails off. I know she feels shame and is studying my reaction to what she is about to divulge. Will I look away or show...
by Dr. Bill Maynard | Jan 1, 2024 | Writings
A Chilling Pronouncement “This is the worst I have ever felt in my life.” If a healthy 25 year old says these words, I am sympathetic. If a middle-aged patient makes this statement, it is concerning. But when Valerie, a 74 year old veteran of chronic illness, utters...
by Dr. Bill Maynard | Dec 31, 2023 | Writings
Resolutions and Relapses, Part 1 Originally Written 1/1/2021 Reposted 12/31/2023 Valerie looks haggard, but composed. Then when I ask, “How are you?” she dissolves into tears. “It’s back,” she sobs. “It’s back!” Her words make me feel sick, and several thoughts flash...
by Dr. Bill Maynard | Dec 23, 2023 | Writings
BEAUTY AND TRUTH IN PERIL Every July my family takes a week-long vacation on the Florida gulf coast. The area is gorgeous – famed for its surreal blue water, sugar-white sands, and delicious seafood. We stay right on the beach and spend hours every day in the sand...
by Dr. Bill Maynard | Dec 17, 2023 | Writings
A QUESTION WITHOUT AN ANSWER Clara stares at me with a mixture of pity and shock. What an expressive face! She telegraphs her feelings with uncanny precision and drama. If we did not trust one another so deeply, I know that the 61 year old lady, who has been my...
by Dr. Bill Maynard | Dec 10, 2023 | Writings
MIXED MESSAGES, PART 2 – The False god Within If you take nature as a teacher she will teach you exactly the lessons you had already decided to learn. – C.S. Lewis RUDE AWAKENING One night at the hospital during a dark valley of my residency training, I found myself...
