I think I amused my doctor.

[kiya]

I know I flustered the lab tech.

I went in to the doctor with a list of nine things to bring up (new pill prescription, going off the pill, STD scan, HPV vaccine knowledge, moving and thus likely changing doctors, am I sick or just dehydrated, marks on leg, lump on shoulder, range of motion issues in left shoulder). Bits of the conversation included a lot of random referencing of the list, and an exchange that went something like:

"I think I have a sebacious cyst on my shoulder."
"Could I have a look at it?"
"Sure."
"... yep, that looks like a sebacious cyst."

So I have a prescription, a referral for the appropriate minor surgery to remove the damn lump from my shoulder, a sheet of paper with shoulder exercises to see if I can get a little more range on the joint, and a little less blood than I started with. (suzimoses, you were right about the weirdness on the leg -- doc thinks they're stretch marks too.)

I flustered the tech by complimenting her on her technique, but really, I've had enough trouble with people trying to find my veins that I really appreciate someone who's skilled.

And that's what I've accomplished so far today.

Comments

[thomasyan.livejournal.com]

I flustered the tech by complimenting her on her technique

Interesting. I think pretty much every time I've complimented someone on their ability to draw blood with minimal pain they've been pleased but modestly waved it away, e.g. "Well, I get a lot of practice.".

I generally haven't been impressed by people sticking IVs in me. For my appendectomy back in 1980, they tried three times, and afterward, the scars lasted for decades. Hell, I think I still see one *today*.

[kiya]

My veins are sneaking run-away veins, so I'm used to expecting multiple pokes, a fair amount of time spent, and some aggravation; I had a run of times when I would nearly pass out because of the combination of poking and the band on the arm. So I'm very appreciative of that sort of thing.

Only had an IV once. I found the experience really disconcerting. (I was getting turbulence in the vein from it, and it was really, really ... yeah.)