"P" is for Professional

As much as I love the psychiatrist, that I refer to as my "mental health professional" I was kinda taken aback by something he said yesterday while we were discussing my mental and physical health. Since I have gained ::gulp:: 12 pounds in the last year and a half, he decided that I needed to have some blood work done, to determine my cholesterol level, among other things. So he’s zipping through the questions, one right after another and says, "Any trouble peeing? Pain or burning when you pee?"

I’m thinking to myself……"Peeing?" Did this highly educated man with a super-charged medical degree say something so totally unprofessional sounding as the word "PEE?" Call me a prude, but as a highly functional and fairly literate depressed person, I understand the basic bodily functions when the proper terminology is used by my medical "professionals." You can say "urinate" to me and I know exactly what that means. In fact, I do it several times a day. And, sometimes I’ve been known to say "I have to pee!" especially when it’s a close call! But, I wouldn’t say it at work, or to my doctor, nor do I like it when they use that word with me.

Has the medical profession had to deal with so many dummies that they have to resort to everyday jargon, just so simple-minded idiots can be treated appropriately? Geez. I am really glad my gynecologist didn’t use too many slang words when I had my pap smear recently.

Can you imagine? Oh, my virgin ears!  :)