Meena sat on the examination table, but didn't get undressed. She didn't plan to spend that much time in Dr. Moriarty's office; in fact, she told the sitter she'd hired to expect her back in about an hour and a half. What she had to say and do should only take about twenty minutes tops, and she didn't expect any problems.
At least, she hoped she wouldn't have any problems.
Dr. Moriarty knocked on the door, then opened it after a few seconds. "Oh, I'm sorry, Meena - I thought you were ready," he said when he noticed Meena hadn't changed into an examination gown. "No, doctor; that's alright," Meena answered. "Actually, you can come on in, if you would." Dr. Moriarty entered the examination room, closing the door behind him. "Nurse Westlake said you had a few questions. What seems to be the problem." Meena paused for a moment in an effort to screw up her courage and formulate exactly what she was about to say.
"Meena, my patient's welfare is my first concern," Dr. Moriarty began. "I want you to feel as though you can tell me anything, and that we can discuss anything about your healthcare."
"That's good, Dr. Moriarty," replied Meena, "because that's precisely why I'm here. I wish to discontinue treatment for my headaches and try an alternative method. I don't feel the shots are working, and I think it's time to explore other options."
Dr. Moriarty looked at Meena, and she thought it looked as though he were taken aback. "I'm sorry if this startles you, doctor, but..."
"Well, quite frankly I don't know what to say," he replied. "I mean, I thought the treatments were going along quite well. I really feel that if you give them more time..."
"But I've given them almost six months, doctor, and they don't seem to be working." Meena replied. "The headaches I thought were gone have come back, and have been back for over a month now."
"Ms. Cartwright, I really have to caution you about making decisions about things which you know nothing about. You are not a doctor," he continued. "I know my own body," interrupted Meena. "I know what doesn't work, and most importantly, I know how I feel."
"Ms. Cartwright... Meena," Dr. Moriarty cajoled, "you have two treatments left - one today, and one two days from now. Now, I really can't make you do something against your will, but I would caution you to think very strongly about this. Take the final two treatments and see what transpires. The treatments will work if you give them the opportunity to work."
Meena listened as he made his arguments. She hated this; she had come to this office ready and convinced to stop treatments that had no visible effect on a constant and chronic condition, but.... He made a convincing argument. Or did he? She didn't know - all she knew was that she wanted to know one minute, one second, one day without excruciating pain. And what other options did she have except the one that was presented to her right now?
"Very well, doctor," Meena replied. "But if these last two treatments don't work, I must insist that we examine other options." "Not to worry, Meena," the doctor replied. "I assure you these two treatments will be the last ones you'll ever need."