I have high expectations of healthcare. Why? Because I have always been impressed with their depth of knowledge. (Vets - you guys take the cake!) But, heathcare workers, doctors and nurses are intelligent, highly trained professionals who carry with them walking encyclopedias of signs, symptoms and diagnoses.
As a child, I probably racked up more frequent flier miles at the local ER than a foreign diplomat. I have had every possible ear infection, throat infection, upper respiratory you-name-it. So, I think I can speak with authority on being sick.
I went to the doctor today because I have been fighting a cold for over 2 weeks. It had me incapacitated a couple of nights last week. I went because I still have the "hacking cough" and what I know for sure to be fluid in my ears.
My doctors visit went something like this:
Anlee: Hello Doctor
Doc: Hello, how are you?
Anlee: I had a cold last week. Still coughing and I have mild to severe pain in my left ear. I also feel liquid when I clean out my ears and I feel like a constant wave is swooshing in my inner ear.
Doc: You have a cold.
Anlee: Well, duh.
Doc: I'll check your ears. Ear drums are normal. I'll check your throat. Normal. I'll check your nose. Normal.
Anlee:...okay...I have pain...what causes that?
Doc: Your brain is sending the wrong signal to your ear that it hurts.
Anlee: But, it hurts. And I have fluid in my ear.
Doc: You have some inflammation in your ear, and you haven't fully healed from your cold. This will cause pain.
Anlee: So, is my brain still lying?
Doc: I'll give you medicine for 3 days. If it continues come back to see me.
Total time: 3 1/2 minutes
Total cost of doctors visit: 3,500won ($3.00)
Total cost of medicine 3 times a day for 3 days: 4,000won ($3.50)
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