Spirituality/Medicine Interface Project

Case Discussion: Disease as Punishment

Authors: John R. Peteet, MD

Abstract

" A 62-year-old woman has sustained a left hemiplegia while recovering from elective hip replacement for osteoarthritis. She refuses all treatment including physical therapy. She tells you in confidence that she is being punished for having committed adultery about 25 years ago, and that she should not have had the hip replacement. She feels that the osteoarthritis also was a punishment. She does not want her husband or other health care professionals to know about it. The woman is competent."

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References

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