I know there are people who put off going to their various doctors for regular checkups (or "well visits," as they're called in pediatrics), but not me. I love going to the doctor, any doctor. I suppose it's partly the pleasure of having someone's undivided attention while we talk about ME, but I also like walking out knowing that a far as this particular doctor and medical technology can discern, I'm clean. Whether it's a dental cleaning or a mammogram or a full-body dermatological scan (which reminds me, I need to schedule that), I feel as though I'm starting fresh once the doctor signs off on me. No, I don't like having blood drawn or getting a Pap smear, but it's totally worth it for all the peace of mind I get.
Today I saw my internist. I'd been looking forward to this because for once I could report that I'd started exercising! Dr. Stern always scolds me for not exercising. He rightly points out that it will never get easier to start, and that just because I'm healthy and not overweight doesn't mean I don't need to exercise. So today I sprang my news on him, and we were both pleased. Everything checked out, and he'll send me the results of my blood work next week.
My kids like (or, in Pete's case, maybe "don't mind" would be more accurate) getting their checkups too. Julie went to the dentist on Tuesday and she's already asking me when she can go again.
I don't mind going to the doctor if I have lost my 5 pounds of winter flab. If not, I dread it because he WILL say something to me. And I won't like it. (since I am not overweight, but he would prefer me to stay at 115 pounds for the rest of my life)
Posted by: Margaret | May 04, 2006 at 11:04 PM
I LOVE LOVE LOVE getting my teeth cleaned. I loved it even more as a child when I didn't have any actual dental problems. But, I still love it. I'd go every day if they let me.
Posted by: Leah | May 05, 2006 at 12:00 AM
I gained 20 or 30 pounds between doctor visits, and the man didn't say a word to me. Your scolding doctors are so impressive.
Posted by: Liora | May 05, 2006 at 01:28 AM
Leah, I used to be jealous of Bob Newhart's character, when he was always getting his teeth cleaned by Jerry the orthodontist down the hall!
Posted by: Karen | May 05, 2006 at 07:26 AM
You need a new doctor, Liora. Maybe ask around among your friends?
Posted by: Karen | May 05, 2006 at 08:10 AM
You people are crazy - liking getting your teeth cleaned and messed with!? I'd rather swallow broken glass than go to the dentist!
Posted by: Brooke | May 05, 2006 at 08:54 AM
I don't mind the actual face time with the doctor, but the bigger picture is what annoys me. I usually have to take a half a day off work just to make it happen. Then there's all the disrespectful waiting I'm made to endure. Plus the impersonal staff who look right through me. The fifteen minutes I might get with the doctor is the most palatable -but briefest - part of the whole ordeal. Taken as a whole, I hate it. Which is why I only go when I am sick.
I don't particularly like having my teeth cleaned, but I do admit that I feel wonderful after.
Posted by: scott | May 05, 2006 at 09:11 AM
You need a new doctor, too, Scott. Surely you can find a good doctor with a decent support staff. If you go only when you're sick, you're missing out on all kinds of preventive care. It's important to establish a baseline of what's "normal" for you so that you'll know whether something's wrong later on -- and, believe me, when you hit 40, EVERYTHING starts going wrong.
Posted by: Karen | May 05, 2006 at 01:25 PM
I LOVE going to the doctors too. My G.P., OB/GYN and Neurologist are like friends. I love them and so far nothing horrible has happened to me. So whatever they're doing, it works!
Posted by: Liz | May 05, 2006 at 09:05 PM