\kerning28
{\header\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\sl240\slmult1\tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\fs20
}{\footer\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\sl240\slmult1\tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\fs20
}THE NEGLECTED PATIENT
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qc\sl240\slmult1{\b\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qc\sl240\slmult1{\b\i\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28 By
Francine
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qc\sl240\slmult1{\b\i\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qc\sl240\slmult1{\b\i\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28 My experience
with hospitals and clinics has been limited, because I have generally been in good
health. My last hospital visit was for a maternity event, some twenty years ago
. The product of that experience has now grown up and found her way to college,
so you can guess I can no longer claim to be in the fresh bloom of youth. Nonetheless
, with my fifty years, I certainly do not consider myself old, or, I hope, completely
unattractive.
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28 My experience
with the clinic really began with an auto accident. I was in a collision, in which
no one was injured seriously (except the car), but I did suffer from some minor
damage. My right ankle and foot were cut rather badly, and obviously bruised.
I had an assortment of other minor cuts and bruises, with some soreness of unknown
origin. My own tendency was to get these treated superficially and trust they
would heal quickly; but the insurance company thought otherwise. To cover their
possible liability, they advised me to get a thorough medical check-up to establish
whether I might have any other (perhaps not obvious) injuries. As they were paying
for it, I agreed to comply.
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28 The physician
I had selected practiced in a clinic used by a number of doctors. It also had quite
a bit of diagnostic equipment and a small lab. It was not, however a hospital,
and did not care for overnight patients.
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28 I arrived
in the early morning and checked in for a nine o\u8217\'92clock appointment.
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28\u8220\'93
Mrs. Karen Whitestone?\u8221\'94 the receptionist inquired.
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28\u8220\'93
Yes, that\u8217\'92s me\u8221\'94, I answered, standing at her counter on one leg
. I was using, I hoped temporarily, a borrowed crutch because I couldn\u8217\'92
t put any weight on my injured foot.
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28 She inquired
for the usual insurance authorizations and had me fill out a fairly lengthy paper
. Shortly afterward, I was told to proceed to an examination room. A nurse escorted
me, and gave me my instructions.
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28\u8220\'93
The doctor will be with you shortly. I need to do some preliminaries, if you will
just sit on the table there\u8221\'94, she said, indicating the examination table
. She asked a number of questions, checked my blood pressure and temperature
, drew a blood sample, and a few other items. Then she told me, \u8220\'93For the
examination, you will need to remove your clothes and lie on the table. I am sorry
, we have run out of the usual gowns, but I will give you a plastic sheet with which
you can cover yourself. Now, if you will just get ready, it will be only a few
minutes before the doctor comes in.\u8221\'94
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28 I did
as instructed, though it was rather difficult with one leg out of service. I laid
on the table and arranged the sheet over my now naked body. It wasn\u8217\'92t
as long enough to cover me from neck to toe, but I arranged it so it covered most
of me, leaving my feet hanging out at the bottom and just my shoulders at the top
. I waited.
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28 Shortly
, a nice looking man, probably forty something, came in. \u8220\'93Good morning
, Mrs. Whitestone,\u8221\'94 he introduced himself. \u8220\'93I am Doctor Murray
. Now, first, let me look at that foot you have all wrapped up there\u8221\'94.
He was looking at my right foot, sticking out from under the sheet but wrapped heavily
in a homemade bandage.
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28 He spent
quite a bit of time on my foot and ankle. He concluded that I probably had a bad
sprain and an assortment of cuts and bruises. With his nurse, he cleaned and treated
the foot and ankle, then wrapped it tightly in what seemed to me to be an enormous
bandage.
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28\u8220\'93
Mrs. Whitestone\u8221\'94, he instructed me, \u8220\'93I am going to have you keep
off that foot for a while. Don\u8217\'92t try to walk on it. Don\u8217\'92t put
any weight on it at all, for a few days. Now, I need to look over the rest of
you and see what other damage you might have.\u8221\'94
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28 He lifted
the sheet a section at a time, at times having me sit up and then turn over. He
seemed to be quite thorough. He did quite a bit of writing and communicating with
his nurse, not all understood by me.
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28 Finally
, after an hour or so, he seemed to have evaluated most of my sore spots, and at
least looked at the assorted scratches, cuts, and black and blue spots I had developed
. After some consultation, he turned back to me.
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28\u8220\'93
I am going to have some x-rays made, and a few tests run. They will be done here
, and will take a little time, but they are important. You are not to walk, so
I will have you taken there on a gurney. Oh, yes, after the x-rays and some other
items, I want you to have a pelvic ultrasound, because you have indications of
possible problems in that area, and I want to be sure.\u8221\'94
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28 The rooms
where the x-rays and several other tests were done was down the hall from the examination
room. A man came in with a gurney, then left the room as the nurse helped me to
transfer myself to it from the table.
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28 During
the next two hours I spent a lot of my time trying to preserve my modesty by constantly
adjusting the plastic sheet as I was positioned for various tests and pictures.
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28 Finally
, it seemed, most of it was done.
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28 A male
staff worker took me on the gurney down to where I was to have the ultrasound exam
. \u8220\'93It\u8217\'92s down the hall a bit farther, and I will just leave you
there because they have a line of patients and you will need to wait until they
get to you\u8221\'94, he casually informed me. He parked me at the side of the
hall outside the room that evidently had the equipment. I waited. I could see other
patients coming and going, mostly young women. Ultrasounds, in my limited knowledge
, were used mostly for pregnant women, and several of the patients I saw seemed
to be in that state.
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28 After
a while, a technician came to check on me. \u8220\'93Your name?\u8221\'94 he asked
, then, not trusting me, looked at the tag on my gurney. \u8220\'93Oh, yes, you
\u8217\'92re Mrs. Whitestone. And you want an ultrasound?\u8221\'94
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28\u8220\'93
The doctor ordered it\u8221\'94, I replied.
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28 He shrugged
. \u8220\'93We\u8217\'92re pretty busy. You been checked?\u8221\'94
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28\u8220\'93
Yes, the doctor just examined me. I\u8217\'92ve had a lot of tests!\u8221\'94
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28\u8220\'93
Not what I mean. Are you prepped for the ultrasound?\u8221\'94
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28 I wasn
\u8217\'92t sure what he meant. \u8220\'93Why, I think so. What do I need?\u8221
\'94
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28\u8220\'93
Mostly, you need a full bladder. Has yours been checked?\u8221\'94
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28 I was
a bit surprised. I didn\u8217\'92t realize this was needed. \u8220\'93No, I haven
\u8217\'92t had that check - but I haven\u8217\'92t gone in about three hours.
Maybe it\u8217\'92s full enough.\u8221\'94
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28 I was
embarrassed at discussing this, but he wasn\u8217\'92t interested anyway. He just
said, \u8220\'93I\u8217\'92ll get Mike, over there, to check you, when he\u8217
\'92s through with that patient.\u8221\'94 With that he rushed off. Mike, I could
see, was talking to a young woman patient whom I could see through an open door
.
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28 I waited
for a while, then recognized the one he had indicated as Mike walking out, clipboard
in hand, and picking up a new patient from the waiting room. This one, I noticed
again, was another rather nice looking young woman. Probably pregnant, I guessed
.
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28 After
he passed me several times, I tried calling him. \u8220\'93Are you Mike?\u8221\'94
I asked. He turned and looked at me. \u8220\'93Yes, that\u8217\'92s me? What
do you need?\u8221\'94
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28\u8220\'93
I was told I needed to be checked whether I\u8217\'92m ready for an ultrasound.
Do you do it?\u8221\'94
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28\u8220\'93
I\u8217\'92m pretty busy right now. Did you prepare yourself?\u8221\'94
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28 This seemed
to be getting nowhere. \u8220\'93I didn\u8217\'92t know I needed anything, but
--\u8221\'94
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28 He cut
me off. \u8220\'93OK, lady, I guess you need a bladder check. Right?\u8221\'94
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28\u8220\'93
Apparently.\u8221\'94 I answered. \u8220\'93OK, it just takes a minute, but I\u8217
\'92ll have to do it here, or you\u8217\'92ll have to wait until we can take you
inside.\u8221\'94
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28\u8220\'93
I suppose you can do it now,\u8221\'94 was all I could think to say. Something
had to get moving.
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28 He lifted
the bottom portion of my sheet, and placed his hand on my lower belly. He pushed
on it slightly, hesitated, then pushed harder.
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28\u8220\'93
You\u8217\'92re not pregnant, are you?\u8221\'94 he asked.
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28\u8220\'93
No, I don\u8217\'92t think so!\u8221\'94 I answered with a smile.
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28\u8220\'93
Well, you need a very full bladder. Your bladder\u8217\'92s hardly got anything
in it. You\u8217\'92ve got to get filled up before we can do you!\u8221\'94
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28\u8220\'93
What do I do? I was brought here, and I can\u8217\'92t move myself.\u8221\'94
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28 Mike shook
his head in frustration. He walked away, then conferred with another male employee
. Mike then called back to me, gesturing to the other man. \u8220\'93He\u8217\'92
s going to take care of you!\u8221\'94 The next time I saw Mike he had another
patient in tow.
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28 Eventually
a female nurse came to me. She was carrying a pitcher of water and a straw. \u8220
\'93Can you sit up at all?\u8221\'94 she asked me. I told her I could raise up a
bit, but the way my leg was fixed I couldn\u8217\'92t really get into a sitting
position. \u8220\'93OK\u8221\'94, she said, \u8220\'93That will have to do. It
\u8217\'92s hard to drink a lot of water when you\u8217\'92re lying down.\u8221\'94
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28 I looked
at the size of the pitcher. It was a big one, and from the gradations on it it
appeared to hold two liters. She told me to drink it, using the straw.
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28\u8220\'93
All of it?\u8221\'94 I asked. \u8220\'93All of it\u8221\'94, she answered.
\u8220\'93If you had come prepared, it might not take as much, but we don\u8217\'92
t know how fast your kidneys work, and we need to get your bladder as full we can
, as fast as we can.\u8221\'94
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28 She left
me with the pitcher. I went to work on it. It took me half an hour to get it all
down. After another half hour I knew the water was doing its work, because my
bladder was sending signals to me calling for relief.
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28 No one
had checked on me in some time, and I was getting concerned as to whether I had
been forgotten. Then I saw Mike. I called to him. He hesitated, then came to
me.
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28\u8220\'93
What do you need? I think you\u8217\'92re in preparation, aren\u8217\'92t you?\u8221
\'94 he asked, with a somewhat irritated tone.
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28\u8220\'93
I think I\u8217\'92m ready - I feel quite full, now. Can I get checked?\u8221\'94
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28\u8220\'93
You\u8217\'92re probably not ready yet. I\u8217\'92ll have someone check you later
\u8221\'94.
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28 I almost
pleaded with him to be checked. Reluctantly he raised the sheet over me and put
his hand again on my belly. He pressed. I knew my bladder was full, but when he
repeatedly pressed on it, it hurt, and I winced a bit.
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28 He withdrew
his hand, replaced the sheet, and shook his head.
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28\u8220\'93
You\u8217\'92re not ready yet. Maybe in another half hour or so, if you had enough
water. How much did they give you?\u8221\'94
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28\u8220\'93
Two liters. I really do feel full, and when you pressed- \u8220\'93
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28 He didn
\u8217\'92t let me finish. \u8220\'93You\u8217\'92re not full enough. You\u8217
\'92re not pregnant, so you shouldn\u8217\'92t be complaining. Those ladies have
a hard time holding it - you\u8217\'92ll have to take your turn. Anyway, yes, you
have a full bladder; but for this check it needs to be very, very full. Just hold
it for a while, and we\u8217\'92ll get to you later.\u8221\'94
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28 He rushed
off. From what I could see, there were about three technicians doing the ultrasound
; one female and two men. I didn\u8217\'92t see much of the female, because she
seemed to stay in the room with the equipment. The men seemed to be the ones taking
patients in and out. I got the impression that they rather enjoyed working on
the young women, but they didn\u8217\'92t seem to have much interest in me.
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28 I lay
there for a while longer, trying to keep the sheet arranged to preserve my modesty
, but growing increasingly uncomfortable with my expanding bladder.
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28 But, true
to his word, Mike did come back in a half hour or so. \u8220\'93Think you\u8217
\'92re ready now?\u8221\'94 he asked. \u8220\'93Absolutely\u8221\'94, I answered
, \u8220\'93and I\u8217\'92m anxious to get this over!\u8221\'94
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28\u8220\'93
Everyone is. Because you don\u8217\'92t get to relieve yourself until its finished
. Now, let\u8217\'92s see how full you are.\u8221\'94 He slipped his hand under
the sheet, and again ran his hand over my abdomen, pushing hard in several places
. At the first push I jumped a bit at the sudden pain. He appeared to pay no attention
. \u8220\'93I guess you\u8217\'92re probably full enough, now. But you\u8217\'92
ll have to wait a bit. We have two patients ahead of you. Just stay calm.\u8221
\'94
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28 I gritted
my teeth and waited. It wasn\u8217\'92t easy to stay calm when your bladder is
already way beyond its usual capacity. It was hurting me, now, and I wasn\u8217
\'92t sure how long I could wait.
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28 In about
fifteen minutes they finally took me. The procedure didn\u8217\'92t really take
long. The woman technician ran the sensor over my abdomen, with one of the men
standing by. The sheet had been pulled up to my navel, so my entire pubic region
was exposed. No one seemed to care. When the task was finished, the sheet was
dropped back over me, and I was pushed into a small antechamber next to the examining
room.
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28\u8220\'93
Someone from Dr. Murray\u8217\'92s office will come and get you when they\u8217\'92
re ready to finish your work. But it might be a while, because I hear they had
an emergency of some kind down there and the doctor\u8217\'92s tied up. Just wait
\u8221\'94
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28\u8220\'93
Can I go to the bathroom, please? I mean- \u8220\'93
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28 He knew
what I meant, all right. But he walked away, obviously not wanting to get involved
in my personal problem. I couldn\u8217\'92t get up, and even if I wanted to defy
the doctor\u8217\'92s orders I doubted I get over the railings on each side of
me. My belly was hurting something awful, and I had no idea how I was going to
get relief.
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28 The room
I had been placed in didn\u8217\'92t get much traffic, and no one was paying much
attention to me. I was hurting worse with every passing minute. Several times
I tried to call one of the staff, but no one seemed interested in me. I hoped Dr
. Murray\u8217\'92s man, or technician, or nurse, or whatever would come and get
me quickly.
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28 There
seemed to be some supplies stored in a cabinet in the room I was in, and then I
saw a man I had not before noticed talking to someone outside my door. Then, to
my surprise he came into the room where I was to get something from the cabinet
. He was dressed in the blue suits the staff members seemed to wear, and he was
about the same age as Dr. Murray, probably forty plus. As he rummaged in the cabinet
, he glanced at me, offering a cheery \u8220\'93Hello, there!\u8221\'94
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28 I was
squirming, moaning a bit, virtually in agony, and in no mood for cheery conversation
.
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28 Suddenly
he turned and looked at me.
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28\u8220\'93
You look like you have a problem. Is someone helping you?\u8221\'94 he asked.
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28\u8220\'93
No\u8221\'94, I managed to answer, \u8220\'93but I sure need it. Everyone ignores
me. I\u8217\'92m waiting for someone to take me back to Dr. Murray, when he\u8217
\'92s ready for me, but -oh oh\u8221\'94 I started to moan involuntarily. \u8220
\'93It hurts so bad!\u8221\'94
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28\u8220\'93
What did you get?\u8221\'94 he asked. \u8220\'93Did they prescribe a painkiller
for you?\u8221\'94
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28\u8220\'93
I don\u8217\'92t need a painkiller - I just need to use a bathroom! But I can\u8217
\'92t walk, and I can\u8217\'92t get out of this- I just had an ultrasound, and
no one gave me any way to relieve myself!\u8221\'94
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28\u8220\'93
Well, lady, I don\u8217\'92t work in this department, and I\u8217\'92m not sure
how to help you. But I understand your problem.\u8221\'94
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28 He looked
me over a bit. I was still squirming, and moaning in my agony. \u8220\'93You sure
it\u8217\'92s OK for you to relieve yourself. now? I mean, they didn\u8217\'92
t tell you that you weren\u8217\'92t supposed to?\u8221\'94
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28 I shook
my head. \u8220\'93There\u8217\'92s just no way. I felt like I was going to burst
a long time ago. I didn\u8217\'92t think it could feel any worse, but - oh, it
hurts so bad!\u8221\'94
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28 He looked
around, but saw no one who might attend to me. \u8220\'93All right\u8221\'94,
he began, \u8220\'93you say you can\u8217\'92t walk, so you have to stay lying there
. I don\u8217\'92t know how to relieve you, but let me see what we can do. Let
me see how you\u8217\'92re set up!\u8221\'94
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28 I thought
he was going to check something on the gurney, but instead he picked up the right
side of my sheet and folded it back over the left railing of the gurney. That
kept anyone in the other room from seeing me, but my entire naked body was lying
in front of him. He looked me over thoroughly. \u8220\'93My apologies - if you
were a man, I\u8217\'92d know how to handle it, but for a woman--\u8221\'94 he
pondered the situation, carefully studying my anatomy. After a minute or so, he
said, \u8220\'93Just wait a moment; I\u8217\'92ll be back\u8221\'94. Then he left
, leaving the sheet hanging over the railing, and me completely exposed.
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28 In about
three minutes, though it seemed like hours to me, he was back. He was carrying
a device that looked like a small bottle with a kind of spout. I recognized it as
a urinal, the kind used for male patients.
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28 He studied
me and looked at the device. \u8220\'93You got to excuse me; I\u8217\'92m a lab
technician, not a nurse. I don\u8217\'92t know much about these things; but it
doesn\u8217\'92t look like you\u8217\'92ve got the right equipment to use this gadget
.\u8221\'94 He studied my lower anatomy with care, then added, \u8220\'93There
was another kind I think maybe would fit! Let me get it!\u8221\'94
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28 Again
he left me, naked and exposed, groaning with the agony I was in. Shortly he was
back, this time carrying a female urinal.
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28\u8220\'93
From that bulge I see on your bottom, you\u8217\'92ve got a lot in you. I hope
this holds enough. Now, let\u8217\'92s see--\u8221\'94 He tried to get the urinal
in proper position. I spread my legs a bit and tried to help him. Finally we seemed
to have the mechanics right. I thought he might leave me, but he didn\u8217\'92
t; in fact, he held the urinal against my body with his hand. My modesty and privacy
was hopelessly lost, but all I cared about was getting relief.
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28\u8220\'93
Can you let go, now?\u8221\'94 he asked.
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28 I tried
to. It wasn\u8217\'92t easy. My muscles were so tensed from holding that relaxation
didn\u8217\'92t come quickly. I kept trying. I shook my head, as I told him, \u8220
\'93I\u8217\'92ve got to go so bad, and now it just won\u8217\'92t release!\u8221
\'94
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28\u8220\'93
Patience\u8221\'94, he answered, \u8220\'93I can wait. He spent the waiting moments
focusing his eyes on my naked body, spread before him. He seemed to be studying
my breasts.
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28 Finally
the patience paid off. I was able to produce a stream that poured into the urinal
. He nodded his head as he watched. \u8220\'93Now it\u8217\'92s coming. We\u8217
\'92ll have you relieved right soon, now!\u8221\'94
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28\u8220\'93
Thank you\u8221\'94, I replied.
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28 He continued
. \u8220\'93Name\u8217\'92s Al - I work in the lab down the hall. You say you\u8217
\'92re a patient of Dr. Murray? I do a lot of work for him. Good thing I happened
by here - you must have been in bad shape. Did you say it hurt a lot? Say, you
\u8217\'92re filling that thing up pretty fast!\u8221\'94
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28 I told
him I had been in an auto accident and was being checked for possible further injuries
. I wanted to be friendly, because I certainly appreciated his help.
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28 Inwardly
, I was mortified. I realized I was lying on my back, naked, uncovered, and calmly
talking to a strange man while I was urinating. Indeed, I was urinating profusely
; and he reminded me of this when he abruptly told me, \u8220\'93You better shut
off your water - this thing\u8217\'92s almost full. I\u8217\'92ll have to empty
it and come back. You feel like you have much more?\u8221\'94
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28 With some
effort, I was able to stop my stream. My bladder still was calling for relief,
but most of the pain was gone. To Al, I replied, \u8220\'93I think I have it stopped
- but, yes, I have more in me! Please do come back!\u8221\'94
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28 He removed
the urinal, and looked at the gradations. \u8220\'93Gee! You let out almost a quart
! And you still got more? No wonder you were moaning and squirming! OK, I\u8217
\'92ll be back in a couple of minutes. Just wait, and we\u8217\'92ll get you emptied
yet!\u8221\'94
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28 He took
the urinal away to empty it, but, as before he left the sheet hung over the railing
. He made no effort to cover me. I thought of trying to pull it down over my body
, but decided to leave it until he returned.
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28 He was
back in a few minutes. \u8220\'93Hope you don\u8217\'92t mind your pee going into
the mens\u8217\'92 room! I can\u8217\'92t very well go into the ladies!\u8221\'94
he began with a smile. \u8220\'93Now, let\u8217\'92s get this thing back in place
and let you finish emptying yourself!\u8221\'94 He placed the urinal again in
position, holding it against my body with the pressure of his hand. \u8220\'93
Now\u8221\'94, he told me, \u8220\'93You can open the valves again.\u8221\'94
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28 I did.
My stream started immediately and forcefully. While holding the urinal, he again
started surveying my body, his eyes falling quickly on my breasts. Somehow, I
wanted to tell him, \u8220\'93Please don\u8217\'92t look!\u8221\'94, but that didn
\u8217\'92t seem appropriate under the circumstances.
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28 Finally
, my bladder felt empty and my stream abated. I indicated I was finished, and he
withdrew the urinal. \u8220\'93You know\u8221\'94, he said, studying the container
, \u8220\'93you had almost a quart and a half in you. I wouldn\u8217\'92t have
thought a lady your size could hold so much. I see why it hurt you so badly. Well
, I need to go take care of this!\u8221\'94 Again, he left with the container
but failed to cover me.
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28 This time
I did pull the sheet over me. It didn\u8217\'92t stay long. When he returned
he had a paper towel in hand. He again raised the sheet, hanging it on the railing
. Then he began to dry my private parts with the towel. \u8220\'93Couldn\u8217
\'92t leave without doing the clean-up job, could I?\u8221\'94 he asked, as he
finished. He discarded the towel in trash receptacle, but stood beside me without
making any effort to cover me up. I could have done it, but I was really feeling
a little satisfaction that he was looking at me - no one else had seemed interested
. They were, I thought, too fascinated with the younger women.
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28 After
a few minutes of conversation, he seemed ready to leave. \u8220\'93Guess it\u8217
\'92s time for me to get back to business. I\u8217\'92ll check Dr. Murray\u8217
\'92s nurse and see if they can get you soon. Want me to cover you up?\u8221\'94
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28\u8220\'93
I suppose you should. I shouldn\u8217\'92t be lying here with nothing over me\u8221
\'94, I answered.
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28 He placed
the sheet over me, and started to leave. Then he came back, raised the sheet and
looked at my body again, replaced the sheet, and moved away. As he left, he added
, \u8220\'93That\u8217\'92s so I\u8217\'92ll remember you for the next time. Incidentally
, I don\u8217\'92t do this kind of thing as a rule, but I think you have nice looking
peeing equipment. Your topside\u8217\'92s not bad, either. Well - bye, now!\u8221
\'94
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28 Now I
was really in no hurry to leave. My sore foot was still there, but I had received
all the treatment I needed for my aches and pains - and for my self-esteem!
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28 END
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}
\pard\nowidctlpar\nooverflow\qj\sl240\slmult1{\f0\lang1033\fs24\kerning28
}