Tuesday, January 15, 2008

The Doctor's Appointment

So, I went to see the Orthopedic doctor this morning. I love having the first appointment of the day, 8am. You'd think that you'd been seeing a doctor on time at the first appointment of the day. Nope. I didn't see him until 8:20. Nice.

This young nurse escorted me to the exam room, and started asking the general questions. She even had a nice way of poking fun at me, because of my age and the problems with my hip. Just what I needed. Next she handed me a pair of "shorts" to change into for my appointment. They were basically the type of shorts you put on a toddler to cover up their diaper, or on a little girl when she's wearing a dress. And I got to wear a big blue pair! My very own diaper at 8:30am. I'm 30!!!!! I'm so glad my husband wasn't there, because he wouldn't have stopped laughing for one, and two there is no way he ever would've had sex with me again. It was so wrong. Wrong!

Basically, this very sterile doctor came in, and examined me. Diagnosed me with bursitis, and gave me my options. A cortisone shot, or Physical therapy. I chose the cheaper of the two. The shot. It was two injections right into my hip. Ouch. I begged the doctor not to show me the needle, because I have this tendency to pass out from shots and giving blood. I would have made a great nurse huh? I had to lay down twice before leaving the exam room, because the blood was rushing to my head.

I finally made it to the reception desk only to have to rush to a chair before almost passing out again. I was seeing stars, another few seconds standing and I would have been on the floor. The nurse was sweet and gave me juice to drink. I even had to lie down on the couch in the waiting room before leaving. This pregnant couple waiting for their ultrasound was just looking at me like I was crazy. It was so humiliating. In the back of my mind, I couldn't help but think of how bad I was going to be when I actually do get pregnant. They give blood a lot, and have all kinds of needles stuck in them. On my chart is going to be the word "Drama Queen". I can see it now. The worse part is I honestly can't help it. I'm a therapist, and I've tried all these relaxation techniques , and frankly, I have to say they don't work. I'd be more relaxed not having the shot or the blood work in the first place.

It's not yet 9am, I'm made fun of for my age, forced to wear a diaper, and almost passed-out several times. I'd like to say that my day got better, but it didn't. The pain in my hip has made it impossible to get comfortable. I can't stand, sit, or lay down without discomfort. Stupid drug did nothing to ease the pain, only made it worse. If this is what it's like at 30, someone please check me out before I turn 90. And people wonder why the elderly complain so much.