Run-Ins

I am running into patients ALL over the place.

A while ago, I had to call in sick on a Friday because Zoe was ill. Then on Saturday, we all went out for a leisurely walk. As we were walking, I saw this couple get out of their very new Prius, and boy! Was I surprised to see that the guy was a patient of mine, who complained to me how he didn't have any money (and refused to get a job). We kept walking, and they passed us.

Last Friday, I went to my gym for a quick swim at lunch time. As I lugged my charming beach bucket full of my toiletries, held onto my swimsuit, walked as quickly as I could, I saw him. He was coming out of the men's locker room. He was my new patient last week. He was a young schizophrenic. We made eye contact, and I thought he might have recognized me, but by then, I had walked past him and ducked into the women's locker room.

Last night, I was back at the gym, watching Aidan swim while sweating it out on the elliptical machine. He was there again! I quickly looked down at my book, hoping that he won't notice me, won't recognized me, and if he did recognize me, he won't want to make conversation.

I really didn't need him to see me all sweaty, in a tank top, reading Chasing Harry Winston by Lauren Weisberger. I am going to explore with him what his schedule is like- so that I could avoid the gym when he goes.

Last Sunday, we made a quick trip to Joann's to pick up some ribbon for Hubby's Phat Baby Photography work. I was lugging Aidan into the store as he talked about how much he needed to pee, right away. Out came a patient from private practice. We made eye contact, and she continued with her way, and we made a mad dash for the restroom.

Today, I was headed to my women's Bible Study, as I walked across the lobby, I saw another patient. As I sat at my table, I prayed, "Dear God, please, please, don't let her be assigned to my table."

On average, I run into about one patient every week at the grocery store, church, gym, mall, Costco, random places.

I have a rule: When I run into patients, I don't say hi. Seriously, people probably don't want to introduce me to their friends, "Hey, this is my psychiatrist." No, people like their privacy. However, if people want to say hi to me, they can feel free to do so.

However, that rule doesn't account for times when I am disheveled, sweaty, cranky, vulnerable, lugging dirty, cranky, whining, crying children.

As my practice grows, this is only the beginning...