Recently, I was sitting at my OB’s office waiting on the doctor to come in for my 30wk check up. It was a routine appointment; I’d already wasted a hour peeing in a cup, getting my vitals checked, being poked and prodded by the lab, and my favorite: the weigh in.
As usual, I was sitting in the exam room waiting for my doctor to come in. Since I am incapable of sitting still quietly, I began reading every poster and brochure in the room.
If I was sure that my family was complete, I could talk to my doctor about the latest methods for permanent birth control. If my monthly visitor was keeping me from enjoying my life, I could ask my doctor about the latest fix. If I was pregnant (yep, that’s me), I needed to eat healthy since my baby was eating it too….
There seemed to be advice on each wall. I wondered how many other women had read the same brochures and posters in hopes of passing the time more quickly. I wondered how many had actually asked the doctor about these things.
I wondered if this was the method that doctors used across the land: have really boring reading material in order to make us crave the interaction that comes when the doctor finally enters the room.
It reminded me of something I’d read recently: “Sharing: Make sure your kids only have the lamest toys. Sit back and watch the sharing. “You play with it.” “No, you play with it.” “No, I insist…”
Thankfully, this was a routine OB appointment so I wasn’t sporting the paper gown this time. (For some reason, when I am in that thing, it seems to take even longer for the doctor to come in…and the room so much colder…hmmmm)
Either way, I suppose it worked. As soon as the doctor entered the room, I immediately forgot all about my boredom and was eager to speak to someone…to anyone!
My time with the doctor was quick: listen to the heart beat, measure the belly, hear “see you again in two weeks”.
I imagine that I will arrive better prepared in two weeks. I might bring my own book, play a game on my cell phone, or catch up on my email. I may play on Facebook or text a friend. However, knowing myself the way I do, I’m sure I will forget all of these options and again find myself sitting in the exam room, wondering if I am sure my family is complete and if I need to talk to the doctor about it…
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