True, True, and Very Funny
A few lighthearted moments from practice:
A gentleman of advanced age came in with swelling of the ankles. It was important to ask him if he had any chest pain with activity.
Me: “Do you have any chest pain with activity?”
He: “Activity?”
Me: “Yes, physical activity, like walking, running… What’s the most physically active thing you do in a day?”
He: (Pauses to think). “Sex.”
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A middle-aged woman came to see me for a physical exam, including a Pap smear. Obtaining a sexual history is a routine part of the patient interview.
Me: “Are you sexually active?”
She: “Well, no. I just lie there.”
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A young woman came to see me for a physical exam, including a Pap smear. Obtaining a sexual history is a routine part of the patient interview.
Me: “Are you sexually active?”
She: “Yes.” (Pause.) “Wait. You mean with people?”
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A lady of advanced age came to see me for a physical exam, including a Pap smear. Obtaining a sexual history is a routine part of the patient interview.
Me: “Are you sexually active?”
She: “Well, I wish!”
Oh the “privilege” of being a physician. We find out waaaaayyy more about people’s private lives than we sometimes want to.