A lollipop would have helped

I have a nodule on my thyroid, so this morning I went to get an ultrasound of it. I should back up to explain I found it a couple of weeks ago -- a tender lump in my throat that has since just become a painless lump in my throat. I had a gyn appointment anyway last Friday, so after consulting the interWeb and learning that I most likely don't have cancer, I waited to talk to her. She confirmed that it's incredibly common, rarely cancer and not worth freaking out about it.

So, I reported for my ultrasound bright and early at 8 am this morning. I was chipper and ready to get it over with. My mother had had the same sort of deal a few years ago, so I was more or less prepared. Getting an ultrasound is no big deal.

The part I wasn't prepared for was the whole bedside manner where the technician is completely neutral and offers you no reassurance whatsoever that you don't have something horribly wrong with you. Don't get me wrong--she was completely pleasant, but she did nothing to allay the anxiety written all over my face. If anything, her reactions made me more nervous.

It makes me wonder who decided that adult patients should be treated any different than children when it comes to comforting them. Remember how, when you were a kid, you got to pick out a lollipop or a little goofy plastic toy from the treasure chest after your doctor's visit? Just because adults are responsible for their own health decisions doesn't mean they're any less scared.

There are so many people who know something is wrong with them, but they refuse to go to the doctor because of fear. So, they die needlessly of cancer, heart disease or many other treatable conditions. I certainly don't have the answers to our complex health care system, but it seems the experience could be made a bit more humane.

I know sugar is now considered the devil, but I could have gone for a lollipop if nothing else. My favorite were the giant Life Savers with the looped paper handle. Remember those?