110/70

Today I woke up at 6:00am to go to the doctors office. Being a US citizen, and therefore not subject to EU regulations on health care, I am required to get a FULL health examination to determine whether I am physically fit enough to have my temporary residence visa.

AWESOME.

Why?

I actually like going to the doctor.

I think that this feeling springs from my history in that I have never suffered from anything worse than the Chicken Pox. Going to the Doctor's office consistently reinforced that I was in great shape and perfect health. Growing up, I usually got sick around once a year. I got the flu, puked once, and then went back to school the next day. End of story. Therefore, getting an annual check-up was never associated with any pain or suffering. I don't have a fear of needles, and my veins do a good job of providing blood for tests when necessary (today, I filled up 4 test tubes!!! woo!)

I believe these feelings of excitement are also caused by the fact that I am a tactile person. Having someone check my organs, asking me to breathe deeply, and feeling my lymph nodes is kind of like getting a massage. Plus, I get the bonus of them telling me (in broken English) "You ok. Everything normal!" If they have caring hands (that are not FREEZING), you can feel as though they are taking care of you. They are interested in your well-being, which improves the experience of being in a sterile and somewhat morbid environment.

Everything went incredibly smoothly, despite the fact that I was REALLY hungry after fasting for 12 hours and incredibly tired from only getting 5 hours of sleep. I was one of the first appointments of the day, so I didn't have to wait. They do have some weird customs in terms of data/sample collection however. They handed me a test-tube, which I thought may have been for the blood test, but then Mirka told me that I had to pee in it. Wait. How am I supposed to pee in a test-tube? Even if I had alternate anatomy I don't think my aim would be that accurate. So, you have to "do your thing" into a cocktail-glass-shaped beaker, then pour it into the test-tube. Why not just skip the middle man? I'm sure they'd save money on dishwashing supplies. (eww.)

Next, it was time to get my blood drawn. Like I said, 4 test tubes, no pain. Then, I went to the Doctor's office where she asked me general questions about my health and family history, then she took my blood pressure (110/70...ok, but I'm striving for better. I remember one time getting it taken at Corporate Challenge Event that my Dad was participating in, and it was around 98/63 or something...they wondered why I wasn't dead). Once she determined that I didn't have any obvious ailments, we had to make our way to another building so that I could get an X-ray.

I've only ever gotten 1 X-ray (at least from what I can remember), not counting my teeth. I think it's REALLY cool to be able to look at your bone structure. Getting through the process was a bit strange though. Let me explain:

I walk into the room, the guy tells Mirka something, and then she turns to translate for me. She tells me that I need to take off my shirts. Ok. Protocol. I ask her if there is a paper gown that I need to put on. She asks the guy. No. Wait.

I'm supposed to be topless for this?

She nods.

I panic.

She says something to the specialist.

He says something back.

She tells me that he says "It's ok, I see many women everyday"

I say, "That may be true, but I'm sure the orderly who is standing and watching in the observation room doesn't!"

I just wasn't prepared for that. I barely like being naked by myself. What am I supposed to do when there is a specialist and one of my friends in the room?

Apparently, suck it up and strip.

So, I do as I'm told, take of my shirt, and run over to the machine like there's a fire. He tells me where to stand, and adjusts the screen, then pushes me into it.

"COLD!"

(at this point, I never want to get a mammogram)

He starts talking to Mirka again, GOD knows WHY, and then she tells me to stand there, breathe deeply, and not move.

Ok.

A second later, I heard a door shut, some beeps, and then she walks in and says "Ok, it is finished".

Thank goodness. I immediately put my shirt back on.

Plus side? I got to see my bones :)

After it was all over the doctors told us that the tests would be ready by May 5th.

Then the best part happened :)

Mirka gave me a lollipop!!!!!!! I had been talking to Petra about the health exam, and what it is like in the United States, and how they always give the children lollipops to calm their fears (and possibly also because they struck a deal with the dentists in the next building). So, she must have told Mirka, who then bought one for me! Great start to the day.