I had the last of my Hep A/B shots from when I started the combo shot last year prior to my trip to Ghana. And, like the 3+ other shots before it, the person (do not know if she is a nurse or office manager) cheerfully gave my my shot WITHOUT WEARING GLOVES! I'm not a germ-a-phobe. I'm really not. And, as I approach 40 I didn't get here by washing my hands every two seconds and avoiding dirt, grime and disease in general. No, I've faced those things head on at times. Really. I mean, I am in public relations.
But seriously, I am absolutely amazed at the power of a Doctor's office. Whether it be an overpriced matinee movie ticket, the wrong amount at a grocery store or ensuring I get the "buy 1 get 1 free" deal at a restaurant, I'm typically NOT SHY in asking questions and working things out. However, in the Dr's office, I tend to shut up and do as I'm told, whether I know the person's credentials or not. Are you with me? We've all done this. The woman asked me which arm I wanted for the shot, and I told her my left arm and took off my jacket. I was prepared. I had a short sleeve polo on underneath, and she took her BARE hands (dirty fingernails) and rubbed some alcohol on the intended area. I bit my lip, not wanted to suggest the gloves. I had seen this act before, in this Dr's office, and previously when I asked another staff member to wear gloves she simply said, "they don't have a size that fits me." I felt like I was at an OJ Simpson trial.
Anyway, I decided not to go down that road. The rubbing alcohol would protect me, and hopefully she wouldn't actually get her dirty hands near any open area from the result of the shot. I'd be ok. Then...it happened. She gave me the shot (did a nice job, actually), and then kind of poked around with her finger on my arm, declaring that there was no blood and I could go on my way. Again, I've seen this before! Blood from shots sometimes rears its ugly head later, and you've got a bit of a mess on your hands. I kindly asked her to put a band-aid on it...she complied (yay for speaking up!)....but again, used her un-gloved hands to kind of touch my arm to find out where she had given me the shot. She said it was really hard to find, but guessed at where it was. I couldn't take it anymore!!!!
"shouldn't you be wearing gloves?" i blurted out...
to which she replied, "no, once the needle is in then it's fine...no biggie."
horried, i shrugged and hoped that the Hep A/B that was just injected into my body wouldn't be compromised by the bacteria from her fingers. she was a nice woman. really, she was. but, i think i'm going to bring my own gloves next time and simply suggest the person wear them. or, i'll bring an entire box and give them as my donation to this office.
sigh.
the day ended on a great note, though...as I had conversations with friends and dinner with danny for his belated 40th. he told me being 40 wasn't so bad, and in fact, it really wasn't much different from 39. they treat you the same at restaurants, too, singing corny songs and embarrassing anyone with a birthday, no matter the age. Mexican embarrassment evidently involves hats.
lana and i chit chatted about thanksgiving and her wild ways in high school (her wildly organized, clean ways - ask me about how she groomed her horse for HOURS every day)....talked all the way until my phone died. that's when you know it was a good conversation.
it's fun being in my 30s. i can still stay up late with the best of 'em.
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