Ms. Frankenstein

Not sure why my doctor visits always inspire me to write. Maybe it's because I seem to always leave in shock or disappointment. It may also be that the human Guinna pig is still surprised by more test and more questions.

Today's visit to the neuro was a little more challenging than most. It was pretty hot and humid so extra precautions needed to be made to insure that I wouldn't end up in the ER due to a simple walk from my car to doctors office. With ice vest packed in the ice chest, a huge bottle of water, salty snacks and my e-reader I'm ready to go. Feels more like I'm getting ready for a picnic than a trip to the doctors office. I have a feeling my doctor thought so too. He gave me the raised eyebrow and a puzzled stare as he questioned the purpose of an ice chest for a doctors visit. I'm so wishing I'd packed a baguette, cheese, checkered table cloth and a bottle of wine! Instead I explained about the ice vest and the appointment was on its way.

As usual I had my list of questions concerning some of my POTS symptoms such as neuropathy, blood flow to my extremities and the adrenaline rushes. As usual I received the pat response from my doctor, "Studies are inconclusive as to why POTS patients have these symptoms, there are no answers". Well that visit was productive. The doctor does the typical vibrating tuning fork exam in which I'm not feeling many of the spots the tuning fork touches. He ends the exam by telling me he's going to run some "tests", oh no!!!!!! He orders an MRI and a nerve conduction study. He tells me to do a follow up with my GP to schedule a visit to see a vascular specialist. Wow, lucky me! And I'm out the door.

I head for home and jump on the computer to see what I have to look forward to with my nerve conduction study. www.WebMD.com informs me that the test is not evasive, but can be a little painful due to electrical SHOCKS! Seriously, I can just visualize Frankenstein standing over me while I'm hooked up to wires with his hand ready to pull the lever for my electrical shock study!. Who chooses shocking people as a career choice? I have to wonder what child tells his parents "when I grow up I want to shock people". I know if either I've my children made that announcement they would go straight into therapy.

I see adventure in the horizon. Who needs a vacation when I get to lay in a thumping tube and create imaginary music to the thrumming of the MRI machine. And just think I get to meet the person whose lifelong career choice is shocking people. Can't forget the camera!

Inspired,
Michele

2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of comfort; who comforts us in all our affliction so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.