Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Why the Matron Loves Women

Today the Matron took her hypochondriacal self to Ovary Ultrasound. Actually, they took pictures of the whole package.

She learned that it is possible to have an intense and compelling conversation with the person, ahem, applying all those tools below and within for that peekaboo -- if that person is another working mama!

The Matron so adored her ultrasound technician she practically didn't want the exam to end! Practically. They chit-chatted about children, jobs, husbands (men!) and the impossible juggle. The Matron learned that the technician's daughter was somber -- a worrier-- but her son? One big bundle of joy. But the technician worried a lot about her daughter.

The technician got an earful about somebody's children, herself. You know the content. They both got a little quiet when the technician said pregnancy ultrasounds weren't always the joyful kind the Matron experienced.

"Sometimes I deliver bad news. Those are horrible days."

Why, the Matron grabbed her arm: "Oh, Elizabeth! I hadn't considered that -- how wrenching.""

And at the end of the exam, while her new Best Girlfriend Elizabeth was walking her out? Said friend motioned, come hither, and dropped to a whisper.

"Mary - you know they told you I can't tell you the results of the exam, but I sooo don't want you to worry at school today and you said you were always a wreck about this stuff. . . . the films look totally normal and the radiologist already labeled it normal. But, shhhh. Act happy when the doctor calls! And I am totally going to read The Hour I First Believed!"

They practically hugged. Thank you, girlfriend!

Thank heavens that's put to rest. Looks like she's good to go for the next one. Melanoma, anyone?

19 comments:

Becky said...

Whew, that's a relief! And how nice to meet a new BFF in that setting!

TMI alert: a couple of years ago, a new midwife was down *there* inserting my IUD, and she remarked that she'd been listening to _Absalom, Absalom_ on audiobook while driving. I said, "How do you possibly listen to that in the car?" And she said, "Well, I have to mute it if I need to turn left." I laughed the only genuine laugh I ever laughed while in that position, and boy it felt good.

smalltownme said...

That was so sweet of her to give you a heads up on the results.

Heather said...

So that is another one of those perks of being outgoing eh?

stephanie said...

Fantastic serendipity.

My experience with the mammogram tech wasn't quite as involved but definitely more pleasant & delightful than I expected.

Helen Brocklebank said...

Oh I do love your writing: such a joy to read. You can even turn an ultrasound exam into a heartwarming and beautifully written experience. x

Lynda said...

Isn't it wonderful when these amazing people come into your life? Congrats in advance!

Irene said...

Women can be your best buddies if they remember that they are your fellow woman first of all and not just some stranger doing their mundane job. There has to be that moment of recognition. The "Eureka" moment.

Jenn @ Juggling Life said...

Yay for good results and good people.

Anonymous said...

So happy for you Mary!

Anonymous said...

Yay for her! Yay for you!

Anonymous said...

Sometimes breaking the rules is a good thing. I'm glad Elizabeth is a rule breaker. I'm really glad the test result came back as they did; oh what a relief that is!

Dysd Housewife said...

I always hated that they couldn't TELL you what they saw. It was like some secret FBI thing..

Michele R said...

What a great day for you. I had an u/s for my uterus about 9 years ago. The tech said nothing. Zippo personality. Fortunately I didn't have to wait but maybe a day to meet with doc and find out there was nothing wrong.

Anonymous said...

Really - what a kind and caring gesture on the part of the tech - so glad for you, Mary. I remember some of those times waiting to hear - I remember those bad news pregnancy ultrasounds- but usually my OB was doing the test and I didn't have to wait to get the heartbreaking news about a heartbeat that stopped. I remember my OB and how attached I got to her - a kind and caring doctor who has retired and I have never found a replacement for her.

Daisy said...

Normal is good!! Glad to hear things are looking good down there. Er, well. Er, healthy. I give up.

Anonymous said...

There are some good techs out there! Glad you got one. When I had my miscarriage, the woman doing the internal ultrasound (to make sure the "fetus had evacuated"...the term the doctor used), asked me if it was ok to bring in another tech. She did and when she entered she told her, "All I need you to do is hold her hand. She's scared." So sweet.

Minnesota Matron said...

Oh, JS! That is terrible and sweet.

Anonymous said...

Yay! Thank goodness for caring technicians. And js's comment made me cry.

Becky Brown said...

That tech was an angel (or the Buddhist equivalent?) who was supposed to be there for you. And I'm sure that in some way you'll never know, you were an angel who was supposed to be there for her, too.

I'm so, so glad all is well. So glad.