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Ms. Lough:
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Hey, Doctor Balis. How's your carpet?
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Dr. Balis:
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Fine, Sharon. How are you? Have you been to a doctor?
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Ms. Lough:
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Yes, I had an appointment yesterday. I was diagnosed with stage III endometriosis. It's a condition where uterine cells grow outside the uterus on other...um, organs. That explains the bleeding and abdominal pain.
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Dr. Balis:
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Sounds serious. Are you going to be treated for this?
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Ms. Lough:
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Well, I was browsing the web, and I read that endometriosis is frequently misdiagnosed. So I was thinking of getting a second opinion, except this damned HMO won't pay for it.
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Dr. Balis:
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A second opinion is a good idea. But don't wait too long to get treatment.
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Ms. Lough:
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I've been scheduled for a laparoscopic examination on Friday. That's a surgical procedure to remove the...uh, endometrial implants. But I want to see another gynecologist before then to rule out the possibility something else, like pelvic inflammatory disease. But maybe I should forget about getting a second opinion. I hate pelvic exams anyway.
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Dr. Balis:
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I think laparoscopy will confirm the diagnosis. So if you have a chance, get the second opinion. I believe getting immediate treatment is in your best interest.
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Ms. Lough:
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I just want to get this over with.
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Dr. Balis:
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How are you feeling otherwise? I was a little concerned--you sounded very depressed the last time I saw you.
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Ms. Lough:
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Did I sound depressed before or after I puked on your carpet?
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Dr. Balis:
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Before, if I remember correctly. Afterward, you seemed genuinely remorseful.
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Ms. Lough:
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I was. Did the stain come out?
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Dr. Balis:
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Yes, it did. They've come up with some wonderful industrial-strength solvents for carpet cleaning. Don't worry about it, Sharon.
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Ms. Lough:
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I feel so terrible. It is so embarrassing.
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Dr. Balis:
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It's all right, I'm glad you are getting medical attention. How has your mood been?
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Ms. Lough:
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Okay, I guess. It's kind of a relief not having to be at work. I've been watching a lot of tabloid trash on television. I can't get enough of the presidential sex scandal. It's a great escape--I'm drowning my sorrows in bad TV. I was hoping I would get some really cool meds so I could dope myself up, but all I got was Extra-Strength Tylenol. They didn't even give me some Tylenol with Codeine, those bastards!
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Dr. Balis:
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Are you in a lot of pain?
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Ms. Lough:
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If I say yes, will you write me a prescription?
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Dr. Balis:
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I think we've already discussed why it would be unwise to prescribe heavy pain killers to someone who has previously overdosed on prescription medications.
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Ms. Lough:
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I'd be willing to sign a waiver, exempting you from any liability.
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Dr. Balis:
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I take it you won't be coming in for your session this week?
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Ms. Lough:
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Oh, yeah, that's right. And maybe I should call to verify for the following week. I'm not sure how I'll feel afterward.
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Dr. Balis:
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That sounds like a good idea. I'll look forward to hearing from you. Good luck, Sharon.
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Ms. Lough:
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Thanks, Doctor Balis.
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Dr. Balis:
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Take care.
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###
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Doctor Balis' Notes on this Telephone Call
Transcripts of Sharon Lough's Communications
