The Big Picture by Lennie Peterson for November 17, 2023

I usually say something like “I’m here to find out” or “You tell me”.

“If I were well, would I be here?”

So true. Reflex answer, of course, would be “fine”. But that sounds stupid at a doctor’s office. And if you say “I have COVID”, you’ll start an uproar.

Bingo!

At least they (hopefully) want to hear an honest answer.

DUH!

I’m sick.

If this is a human medical facility, why bring Ginger? Does Lenny need a support cat? If it’s a veterinary facility, why isn’t Ginger in a carrier? Inquiring minds want to know…

They ask every time. I try to expound for at least ten minutes on my problems getting yeast dough to rise in the winter. They then make a mark on their clipboard (or tablet) and whisper something to the person they hand me off to.

I usually start with “In your own words, tell me what brought you here.” I try to let the patient lead. The best answer I had, so far, to that first question was from a 4 year old, “My mommy in her brand new car who is all mad now because of the blood and puke.”