I know you are nervous in anticipation
You feel well but you still need confirmation
From me that your condition has improved
That the needle on your heart function has in the right direction moved
I review your tests before going in
I already know I shall be delivering a win
Your expression on hearing the news is priceless
In words your relief is hard to express
The right treatment has worked its magic on you
Preventing things from going backwards is the only thing for us to do
*
You are waiting eagerly for me
The improvement in your condition is not what you expected it to be
Your test shows that your heart function is still the same
I intensify your treatment but I cannot claim
That further improvement is necessarily in the cards
I see the disappointment on your face, I know it is hard
To accept that your heart condition may not improve over time
It is not much of a consolation when I tell you we can prevent a decline
*
You feel wiped out just walking into the clinic today
You feel your illness is headed the wrong way
I see your tests and there are unmistakable signs
Of a progressive and inexorable decline
In the function of your heart, the medications are not enough
We need to have conversations that are tough
I see you, looking pale, tired, vulnerable and afraid
I discuss your worsening heart function and in the next hour I have laid
Before you the advanced therapies to consider for your heart condition
But the profound devastation on your face suggests you are not in a position
To make any decisions regarding your health on the spot
I encourage you to go home and give the options I have presented more thought
*
Three different scenarios with differing outcomes
I give news that is devastating and news that is welcome
My own emotions go on a roller-coaster rise too
When giving patients their test results id something I have to do
