If I Buy You A Ticket, Can You Follow My Train Of Thought?
CONTENT WARNING: This story contains content of a medical nature. It is not intended as medical advice.
I had my gallbladder out in my early twenties. There was a complication, but the surgeon resolved it during surgery. I understand that this is very unusual for my age group, but this interaction with a new doctor amazed even me.
Doctor: “So, you’ve noted that you’ve had gallbladder surgery and pancreatitis. When did those happen?”
Me: “[Year].”
Doctor: “Both of them?”
Me: “Yes, the pancreatitis was found and resolved during the gallbladder surgery.”
Doctor: “Any complications from the gallbladder?”
Me: “Uh, the pancreatitis.”
Doctor: “Hmm. Any complications from the pancreatitis?”
Me: “It was the complication.”
Doctor: “Huh?”
Me: “A stone went into my pancreas, and my surgeon had to pop it out.”
Doctor: “Ah. When was that discovered?”
Me: “When I was on the operating table?”
Doctor: “Any complications?”
Me: “Seriously?!”
Doctor: “We need to know.”
Me: *Sigh* “Let’s try this again. They found the pancreatitis while I was on the operating table for the gallbladder. A stone had gone into my pancreas. My surgeon popped it out. Complication fixed. The end.”
Doctor: “Any lingering issues?”
Me: “No.”
Doctor: “Okay, I got it now.”
Me: “That took much longer than it needed to.”
I did not go back to that doctor.
Question of the Week
Tell us about a customer who got caught in a lie!