Let's Get Physical
One of the forms that is due a little later on is a health report from our primary care physician. Unfortunately it requires that a physical examination be conducted within the last six months. Ugh. Since I haven't been to the doctor in 3 years (the last time I needed the health report form), it was time to make an appointment.
So, I called yesterday and to my great joy (said with great sarcasm), they had a last minute cancellation for 9am today. As much as I wanted to let Jeff take this one, the next several available appointments conflicted with my schedule. Alas, I had to go first.
It's not like a physical is a big deal but I don't understand the concept of going to the doctor when nothing is wrong. Isn't that just inviting trouble? I know, I know, it's called preventative medicine. I don't know if you've noticed, but doctor's waiting rooms are filled with sick people! Yes, sick people! So if you weren't sick when you arrived, there is a pretty good chance you will be when you leave.
Oh well, a mom's gotta do what a mom's gotta do. I arrived early and there was already a line. The woman in front of me proceeded to cough repeated into a partially open hand. And the open hand was pointed at me! What?! It's like she was guiding the germs directly to me. And since she was at the doctor's office, I can only assume she has some sort of airborne infectious disease. Only time will tell I suppose.
After 2 hours, 1 tetanus shot, blood work and the dreaded weigh-in, I was back on my way to work with the completed health report in hand. I guess it's good to have that out of the way. Now, it's Jeff's turn.
14 comments:
Okay...totally spelled weigh incorrectly. I'm a nerd (and a blonde)
I think they should only way you if you request it.
i haven't had a physical since i was probably around 12. seriously. i need to have one, so maybe your blog is the motivation i need. if lori can do it, so can i!!! blech. Becci :)
I could swear up and down that both their height rulers and scales are totally wrong. I think their is a conspirancy going on out there. Last time I went to the doctor they told me I was about an inch shorter than another doctor told me I was just a couple of years ago. I am not old enough to start shrinking!!! Michelle
An appointment or two ago, they grabbed me and said, you need a tetanus, stop at the nurse treatment before you leave. My husband said, I would have just kept going. I hate needles. But hey, rusty nails, here I come!
There must be something in the air, I finally went to to Dr. for the first time in I don't know how long for a check up. She had the nerve to say to me as she was setting the scale so I could step on, now this may measure your weight differently than other scales because it may be calibrated differently. I looked at her and asked, like it will say I weight 125? She didn't laugh, and it didn't say I weighed 125! Was her disclaimer supposed to make me feel better?
OOOHHH, about the scales. Apparently one of the trainers at our YMCA was purposely making the scale heavier than it is. He told someone that more people signed up for a trainer when the scale was too high. How mean is that?
However you spell it, the whey in is evil. :) And why don't the nurses have a sense of humor about it anymore? Have they really heard every joke already? At least give me a courtesy chuckle for my nervous efforts. Sheesh.
Andrea, that trainer should be shot. Or force fed donuts until he gains at least 50 lbs. Clearly he has no concept of the torture produced by a public weigh in. And really, aren't there enough people in the world looking to lose a few lbs that falsifying weight would be unnecessary?
Why in the world do you need a tetanus shot? Aren't those only on an "as needed" basis?
Mindy
Apparently tetanus shots are part of the preventative immunization process. He also told me to get a Hepatitis B vaccination but to do it at a pharmacy where it is cheaper. When I asked how you contract Hep B, he said "primarily through sex, drugs and tattoos." Um, has he not met me? Did he find a tattoo that I'm not aware of? Was I drugged and tattoo'd one night without knowing it? I think there's prevention and then there's overly cautious.
Get the Hep B! You can actually get the virus pretty easily (although "sex, drugs and tattoos" sounds much more exciting). I have a friend who contracted it working with kids at a day camp one summer. I had to be vaccinated for that and a bunch of other crap to work in a medical setting, but I know that they strongly suggest teachers, police officers and anyone working with the public gets vaccinated for Hep B...now that I think about it, who isn't "working with the public?" Maybe computer programmers...
Did you get either chicken pox or the vaccine? Neither Ben nor I ever had chicken pox and my partner(aka Captain Paranoid, formerly known as The Surgeon in Pennsylvania) has been badgering me to get it...ugh. I'm almost 30 and going to a pediatrician's office for vaccines?!
~Cousin Sara
Well if 2 out of 2 doctors recommend it then I guess I'd better get the Hep B vaccination. Even though my arm is still sore from the Tetanus. Stupid shots.
I haven't had the chicken pox either and the mere thought of going through that as an adult scared me into getting vaccinated. Although I think they can do some blood test to see if you're immune. My doc at the time thought it would be easier to just vaccinate me. Yeah, easier for him! He's not the one getting the shot. And it's a series so you have to go in twice. Worth the peace of mind I suppose. Just ask Captain Paranoid!
Oh, by the way, you get the vaccine from your primary care doc or from the Safeway pharmacy if you call and make an appointment...not a pediatrician. I'm picturing the latter...you might get a sticker or a lollipop when you're done!
Too funny guys. I just have to say Lori I feel your pain. I am pretty tough when it comes to shots, blood draws and even pain. But I had the tetanus shot on Friday and I swear it is the worst shot ever. I have a knot under this skin and a bruise the size of a quarter! Not to mention it hurts to lift my arm let alone carry my chunky child!
As for all the chicken pox stuff. That is all super lame. I had the chicken pox not once, but twice (they just started to heal & I broke out again) as a child. But to work in a medical field you have to have a titer to say that you are immune. Well needless to say my titer was NEGATIVE, so I got the shot series and then my titer was again NEGATIVE. Finally a third time later it was finally slightly POSITIVE. I sure as heck hope I am covered because chicken pox are no fun and the shots were not great either! Beth
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