The IT Guy

by Barbara E. Magera

Steve, a recent MIT graduate in computer science, came to see me because of ear congestion. He told me “I’m here because of allergies. Nothing I took worked.” After performing a complete history and physical examination, this 32 year old single male lived alone and landed a high-paying position at a computer software company. He lamented, “My job used to be fun because I got to travel the world and meet a lot of interesting people. When Covid came, that all changed. I was forced to work from home. Worse, I thought I was talking to a real person but after several days, I realized I was talking to a computer.”

I was confused but I urged him to explain more details about his work environment. With a sad expression, he softly said “There’s AI or artificial intelligence software out there that learns your voice and speech. It is nearly impossible to know if you’re talking to a person or a computer. I live alone and I work long hours. I was so very lonely until I bought a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel from a reputable breeder. You gotta help me doc because if I’m allergic to Brie and if you tell me to get rid of her, I would rather die”.

I reassured my patient that my special interest is helping allergic patients live comfortably with their furry pets. I certainly was not the physician who would demand he rehome his Cavalier.

After a few sessions with Steve, an evaluation for allergic disease was unrewarding. His symptoms certainly were not due to his dog. As our conversations grew, I discovered that this man graduated cum laude at MIT with a masters in mathematics and computer science. He enrolled in a PhD program but his demanding work schedule kept him for completing even the initial work of his doctorate program.

Upon further questioning of his family history, Steve told me he did well in the sciences especially mathematics and abstract thoughts however; he related his aversion to the humanities. He explained to me, “I just don’t think like others do. I don’t like situations where I have to talk with people. Maybe it has to do with me being an only child.” Steve told me he was born prematurely with a low birth weight. As a baby, toddler and young child, he suffered many ear infections requiring multiple surgeries and (myringotomy) tube placements.

He confessed to me that, “For a young guy, my hearing is bad. Going to a bar or restaurant is particularly difficult because I can’t hear anything to have an enjoyable conversation. Trying to meet a girl is nearly impossible because I end up saying something off the wall which causes her to run”.

Steve indeed had a mild speech impediment which is commonly seen with deaf or near deaf patients. His inability to verbally communicate was obvious to the point that I deliberately scheduled extra time to decipher exactly what was troubling this young man.

I discussed his case with my good friend who is a Psychiatrist and specializes in patients who find themselves in stressful situations. With some gentle coaxing, Steve agreed to be evaluated by my friend…but only once.

After his first session with her, she immediately phoned me to tell me Steve definitely had mannerisms of social phobias causing near panic attacks when placed in situations where interaction with groups of people were required. She also identified serious insomnia, a tendency towards self criticism and situational depression. She noted that he felt inadequate about his job performance.

She explained that this patient’s Cavalier was his only source of interaction and bonding. She added that his Cavalier meant much more to him than a girlfriend or even other family members. He was particularly concerned that his job would require his physical presence in the office and include working late nights, weekends and holidays. The volume of work placed upon him was increasing with time. But, he was offered a promotion in cybersecurity at a higher salary.

She explained, “His new work environment is in a highly secure office. This new position would further limit his social interaction to only a few other high level security people. He is very concerned about the time he spends working and away from his beloved Cavalier. He hired a dog sitter who comes to his condominium to play, groom, walk and feed Brie. He says his dog person cares deeply for Brie.”

Steve didn’t return to my office until nearly a year later. He told me that after intense soul searching and psychological counseling, he decided not to pursue his cybersecurity career rather he accepted a job with a local IT company. When I asked what factors changed his mind, he promptly explained that his bonding with Brie completely changed his attitude.

“I got hearing aids and now when I go for walks with Brie I can hear conversations. Brie showed me how to meet many people. My Cavalier gave me the confidence to talk to people without fear of my speech impediment. I now have a girlfriend and I am in a serious relationship. My Cavalier was life-changing for me. In fact, after we’re married we plan to get a second Cavalier”.

We both agreed that Steve did not require a followup visit with me; however, he did agree to introduce me to his Cavalier, Brie. After observing the interaction with Brie, Steve and his fiancée it was clear to me that this Cavalier was an important family member of this young couple. Brie was the ideal Cavalier companion who transformed the life of a lonely young man into a joyful and grateful dog owner. I wished them much happiness and blessings in their marriage.

Barbara E. Magera MD, PharmD, MMM (Caracaleeb) is a Cavalier fancier, exhibitor and breeder, photographer and writer who lives and practices medicine in Charleston, SC.