I entered the room, prescription directions in hand. Two 80-something year old men occupied the tiny room. I veered to the left to speak with the lucky gentleman who was getting to go home on Saturday and possibly salvage what was left of the weekend.
"Do you mind if I take a seat next to you while I explain your medications?" I asked.
"Only if you keep your hands to yourself," he smiled.
I promised him I would be on my best behavior and started into my med education lecture. "Your doctor has only given you one medication to take home today. It has hydrocodone and tylenol in it and it should help with the pain." Quickly assessing the surgical scar on his neck, I assumed he'd be thrilled.
"You can keep it, I don't need that stuff," he stated.
"Yeah, my fiance hates that stuff too. He says it always makes him feel worse," I said referring to Adam who would rather suffer through pain than take a Lortab.
"Fiance?" the two men said almost in unison. They looked at each other and laughed, sharing a secret of which I wasn't aware.
The patient placed a hand on my shoulder. "Miss, my wound will heal - I don't need medication for that - but a fiance is one pain that you can never get rid of." The patient across the room emphatically nodded.
Thanks for the hot tip, guys. ;)
