How the Sun led me to Surgery (and Left Me in Stitches)
Laughter does not have to come from a major source. It could be ... relatively minor.
Summer has rolled in, and sun worshippers gather at pools and beaches like moths to a flame! It’s the ideal season to catch some rays and aim for that perfect tan, watch out for birds trying to swoop in and swipe your snacks. It’s funny how folks lose their minds over the sun and forget that sunscreen is the VIP pass to a sunburn-free life. I’ve made that mistake more times than I’d like to admit, which eventually landed me in a dermatologist's office, getting an unwanted growth removed. It turns out that neglecting sun protection is not the brightest idea!
That morning, as I lay on the operating table, the nurse prepped me with a couple of shots of local anesthetic. She cheerfully assured me she had enough solution to numb a horse if I felt discomfort. I found that amusing, though I debated whether I should be offended. She also sheepishly admitted that she was not a fan of needles. Naturally, I had to ask why she chose nursing if she had a needle phobia. She responded that she was perfectly fine with poking others; it was getting poked herself that gave her the heebie-jeebies.
The dermatologist walked in shortly, and we exchanged pleasantries before diving into the surgery. I’ll say this: the nurse wasn’t kidding about the horse-sized desensitizing agent; I didn’t feel a thing! After the procedure, the doctor took the specimen to the lab, returning about a half hour later with good news and enough thread to stitch up a horse. (Trying to stay on theme)
As I lay there, I watched his hand wielding the needle and thread back and forth toward the ceiling, which ultimately felt like it lasted an eternity. The sight of the thread reminded me of my trips to the dentist when they always ask if I’ve been flossing. So, I jokingly said, “Next, you’re going to ask me if I’ve flossed!” The doctor then revealed he didn’t floss despite having a sister who was a dentist. The nurse, who adored her mentor, couldn’t understand how he got away with that.
While our joking had nothing to do with surgery, it served as a perfect distraction, bringing us all to stitches, emphasizing that laughter is the best medicine, no matter the situation.
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That's a good nurse!!
I'm light-skinned and don't put sunscreen on my legs, arms, or back. At my last dermatologist appointment a few months ago, I was told my skin had no signs to be concerned about. Maybe it's a matter of getting a little sun every day so that you work up a tan?
But anyway, that nurse's relationship to needles is hilarious. 🤣