Office of Education
Yale University
School of Medicine
367 Cedar Street
300 ESH
New Haven, CT
06519 USA

Case author: Frederick D. Haeseler, M.D.

Henry Chatfield: Introduction

Helen stood at the base of the aluminum ladder, holding it steady. At the top of the ladder, Henry leaned left, then right, scooping clumps of wet leaves from the gutter and lobbing them onto the grass below. He climbed briskly down. "Haven't fallen yet," he said. Helen's eyebrows arched, prompting Henry to complete the sentence,"except for maybe once, a long time ago."

He was cheerfully annoyed by Helen's insistence that she stabilize the ladder. They carried the ladder across the yard and between two young Japanese maples to Grace McCune's house. Henry had been doing her gutters for years, ever since Roger had died. Henry climbed the ladder, dropped leaves left and right, descended, then moved the ladder a couple of yards along the eaves and climbed up again. Helen wished she had worn gloves.

"Henry," she said, " I think you should get a checkup before we go down to Florida."

"I'm fine," said Henry, "fit as a fiddle."

"You can't be sure," said Helen, wondering if Henry was breathing just a bit faster and louder than usual as he climbed up and down the ladder.

"I'm in great shape. As you know," he said, peering down at Helen and winking.

"Well you're certainly pleased with yourself," said Helen, smiling despite herself.

"But listen to me. It would put my mind at ease if you would just see Dr. Grey before we go. We don't know any doctors down there."

"I'm perfectly willing to go to the doctor -- when I'm sick," said Henry.

He had come down the ladder and picked up the front. Helen propped her end on her shoulder, and they headed back to the white clapboard shed behind their house. They stowed the ladder. "I'm going down to the store to ask Kenny to help me bring in the patio furniture after he closes up," said Henry. His nephew ran the store now. Helen blocked his way. "It's been years since you had a checkup. When I saw Dr. Grey he told me to come back next fall. At our age, he wants to see you every year."

"You win," said Henry, "I'll go in a year." "Henry!" "OK, Helen, I'll make a deal with you: If it's been more than five years since I had a checkup, I'll go." "Good," said Helen, "because I know it's been longer than that."

"Yes, Helen, and you also know you always get your way!" Henry said with a laugh.

Next: Patient interview