How the Patient Looks at It

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 17, 1914

How the Patient Looks at It

A LETTER from Dr. G. B. Replogle, of the River Plate Sanitarium, of Argentina, South America, incloses a letter from one of its patients, giving a very interesting statement of his impressions of the sanitarium and its work. It is well worth reading, giving, as it does, the other side of our work, the side of the patient:—

“It is now nearly six months since I came to the sanitarium. If it is thought that considerable time is being taken to effect a cure, it should be remembered that I came with what seemed an incurable ailment. Many years of hardship and exposure, followed by almost complete paralysis, seemed to place me in the position of an old, worn-out engine, fit only for the scrap heap. Fortunately, the people here did not regard me in that light.

“It is difficult to give one’s first impressions of the institution under conditions of great suffering, but I well remember that I at once realized that, if kindness could cure me, I had come to the right place. One feels that the attention shown him is not so much a matter of obligation or duty as of sympathetic feeling on the part of the staff and helpers toward those who suffer.

“Different from the usual hospital, the sanitarium rooms its guests in bedrooms instead of large wards. I was gently carried upstairs and located in a pleasant and clean room, where I was afforded a good view of the surrounding country.

“This being a hydropathic institution, medicines and drugs are conspicuous by their absence. The treatments administered are based on rational principles, utilizing nature’s remedies. It is difficult to realize the wide scope of their service and how effectively they may be used. Proper hydropathic treatment is not the mere application of hot fomentations or cold compresses, but includes a large number of varied treatments that must be carefully administered by those of experience in order to obtain the desired effects. Consequently, considerable time and patience are required on the part of both nurse and patient. My regular treatments occupy two and a half hours. It will be seen from this that the sanitarium requires a larger staff of nurses and helpers than is the case where drugs and medicines are used. These nurses have a thorough course of three years’ training before they obtain their certificates, and they are under the constant supervision of doctors and others who see to it that not only the necessary treatments are properly administered, but all details of the patient’s care receive due attention.

“Another thing that impressed me was that the patient can always know that he is told the truth regarding his condition, and that not in technical terms, but in a simple manner, so that he may not only know what his ailment is, but the probable causes of the same; and he also has carefully explained to him what is necessary for recovery. The subject of disease is not enshrouded in the mystery that usually prevails in the hospitals. Things are made clear to the patient, and everything is done to cause him as little anxiety as possible concerning himself. An effort is made to secure the cooperation of the patient in the care that is given him, and the patient receives instruction as well as treatment.

“I remember well, when I asked the doctor concerning my condition and the prospects of recovery, how he explained to me that mine was a very serious case and one in which it was difficult to predict the outcome, but that he had every hope of good results, inasmuch as everything possible would be done for me. As I look back on the last few months and consider the many means used in my behalf, I cannot but realize everything possible has been done in order to secure my recovery. I must admit that at times I did not feel satisfied with what was being done, but now I see that it was because of the simplicity of the means that were being used; and indeed it really does seem remarkable that simple, natural remedies can bring about such a wonderful change. It is indeed a real change, and not merely a patching up. I find myself possessed of a new physical equipment of constitution, blood, muscles, flesh, etc. I attribute it all to the result of the careful and intelligent rational treatment I have had. Even those who are well acquainted with the remarkable results possible in these treatments can hardly believe that I am the same individual who was so helplessly struggling for existence a few months ago.

“It must be remembered that for the last five months I have been living on a vegetarian diet. This, to one who is accustomed to flesh foods, is somewhat strange at first, but my experience has been that even the common potato may be so nicely cooked and served that one eats it with the relish of the most appetizing French dish.

“The same careful attention is given to the culinary department as to the medical. The neat attire of the attendants, the inviting appearance of the tables, and the general cleanliness are very noticeable, and one cannot but feel that everything, even to the most minute detail, is done with the one purpose of making the patient’s surroundings as agreeable as possible. No doubt this has much to do with the remarkable cures that are effected, combining as it does the benefits of proper nourishment with those of proper treatment. A great variety of dishes is served, the number of which I would not attempt to name. Neither would I try to tell of their preparation. I find that a good book on cookery is available for those who desire it; for, as I have already stated, the object of the institution seems to be to assist as far as possible all those who are sick and need help. Hence this little book has been prepared, and there is also afforded the opportunity of securing practical instruction in cookery. It is this willingness of all those connected with the institution to help others that has made such an impression on me. This is without regard to nationality, sect, or condition, the one thought apparently in the mind of all being the individual’s need. I find in conversation with other patients and guests that this is the impression all received, although there is no outward attempt made to give this impression.

“Thus far I have spoken only concerning the physical side of the work of the institution. I find there is something more than this, however, and that is the sincere purpose to minister to the spiritual necessities of those who come here; for, as the name of the institution indicates, it is conducted on the true principles of the Seventh-day Adventists, as found in the Word of God. I shall never forget the impression I received one day soon after I was able to be moved about a little. I was near a room where a surgical operation was about to be performed. The door was partly open, and I saw the doctors and attendants in their places, with heads bowed, and the head physician offering prayer for God’s help and guidance in the operation. I learned that this is the custom, and I then realized that here is the true secret of the remarkable success of the surgical operations and the true cause of the sincere kindness and attention always shown. As the suffering one hears the hymns and prayers offered up every morning and evening, he cannot help feeling that he has come to a place where God is first and all, and his guidance is sought for the proper conduct of the various duties. Thus there came over me a real confidence and security in my surroundings, and I felt that whatever happened, it was the Lord’s will.

“Again, I was impressed with the fact that, while the spiritual atmosphere is everywhere felt, yet in no instance was I made to feel that any one purposed to force this spirit on another. On the contrary, while a definite witness of Christianity is constantly given in the faithful performance of duties, religion is not discussed with one unless he shows an interest in it, and then only at proper times and under suitable conditions. As soon as I learned something of the truth of this religion, which was new to me, I began to investigate it. I sought for Scripture evidence for the Sunday sabbath, but found none; and the more I studied the subject, the more I became convinced that the seventh day is the day sanctified by God. Little by little, this wonderful truth has come to me, and with God’s help I shall keep his day.

“Now, as the time is nearing for me to leave the institution, I cannot help but feel that it has been good for me to be here, as I realize that after all the suffering, the Lord has given me far more joy than I could have expected, and my desire is that I may better witness to the blessings that he has granted me, and that many others who may come seeking health may also find that greatest of all blessings, enlightenment of the soul. May the Lord continually bless this institution and give to his servants much encouragement in realizing his promise that their labors shall not be in vain, and may they know that I for one am grateful for all the Christian help I have had from one and all during my stay.”