Monday, January 8, 2007

Another Day in Paradise

Yes, this was a real encounter. I don't have that active of an imagination.

A man who (whom?) I surmised to be in his 40's limped up to the ref desk this morning & asked for information on collapsed veins. As I searched in reference books, and then online once the books failed to provide any info, he provided me with the following details:

"I had foot surgery last week & it took six nurses to find a vein they could get a needle in. I want to know what causes it".

Me: "Did the doctor or nurses tell you anything?"

"Well, it can be caused by dehydration"

Me (as I'm finding Internet sources that say things like heroin & meth users have a higher incidence of collapsed veins): "yes, I've heard that too".

"I've been on Viagra for a long time. Do you think that could cause collapsed veins?"

Me (doing everything I can to avoid making eye-to-eye and eye-to-crotch contact, as he was standing directly in front of me as I sat at the desk): "you'll need to talk to your doctor about that."

"Oh, OK. Thanks". And he limped off to the stairs & out of my life. Or so I hope. And pray.

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