Post by Kinsa on Dec 17, 2014 11:44:41 GMT -5
Okay, so I went to the doctor for this annoying rash that I talked about in the other thread, suspecting I might have a mild case of shingles.
When I got to the doctor, I had to fill out this questionnaire while in the waiting room. This is rather standard at military hospitals. Questions like, "Have you felt depressed over the last two weeks?", "Have you considered suicide in the last six months?", "Are you struggling to reintegrate into family life since returning from deployment?", "Do you feel safe at home?" On and ON. A full page. I understand why they ask these questions, but c'mon. I'm there for a rash! I answered "no" to ALL the questions.
So first I had my vital signs taken by a technician. Weight is a little high - about 30 pounds over my "ideal", but 20 pounds over where I normally am - and my blood pressure is great: 111/73.
So then I went back to see the doctor. She spent all of five minutes with me. Here's how it went down:
Doc: So I see you are here for a rash? Can you show it to me?
(I lift my shirt and lower my beltline to show the rash. She nods her head then goes to her computer.)
Doc: I'm going to prescribe a steroid/antifungal ointment. Use it twice a day for two weeks, and if it doesn't clear up then come see me again in two weeks.
Me: Okay.
Doc: Are you okay? You seem so sad.
Me: (
) Nooo... I'm fine.
Doc: Oh, okay. So where is your work?
Me: My work? Oh, um... I'm at home.
Doc: At home? Oh, you mean you're a stay-at-home?
Me: Yes.
Doc: Oh, and what do you find to keep yourself busy all day?
Me: (completely befuddled by the question) Well, Ummmm... I mean, well, ummm... I homeschool six kids.
Doc: Oh, well I guess that would keep you busy enough. Are you sure you're feeling okay? You just seem so sad.
Me: Yes, I'm fine. Really.
Doc: 'Cuz I can get you an antidepressant if you want.
Me: No, I'm okay. Really.
Doc: Alright. If you change your mind, just let me know. Let's see here... when was your last mammogram?
Me: Oh, I don't know. Sometime since 2010.
Doc: Oh! You're overdue! It says here that your last one was *gasp* two years ago! We need to schedule you for that right away.
Me: But I'm just here for a rash...
Doc: And when was the last time you had lab work done?
Me: I have no idea. Probably the last time I was pregnant. (chuckle)
Doc: (clearly unamused) Well, you need to get a full work-up at the lab. You need to fast for eight hours then come back for a blood draw so we can see if you have any troubles that we can't detect today.
Me: But I'm just here for a rash...
Doc: Are you sure you're okay? I mean, you just seem a bit depressed.
Me: Yes! I'm fine!
Doc: Okay, well, go to the pharmacy and pick up your ointment. Give me a call if you change your mind about the antidepressant or call me in two weeks if the rash doesn't clear up. Good bye.
Me: (I walk out of the office and down the hall toward the pharmacy, thinking "What in the world just happened in there? I walked in with a rash, and I walked out with a mammogram and an open invitation to antidepressants! What the heck...)
Okay, so now I'm wondering... Is it so uncommon to have a middle-aged woman come to see the doctor for something OTHER THAN antidepressants?!?
I'm not knocking antidepressants at all, if you NEED them, but... I mean... what in the world??? And what was that whole bit of the conversation about finding something to keep me busy at home all day long?!?
Ay yi yi. This is why I seldom go to the doctor.
