After fumbling around Vanderbilt Medical Center for nearly thirty minutes, I finally got up the courage to ask for directions. It didn't help that I knew neither the doctor's name or that of her research assistant. In fact, I couldn't even name the department I was to be seen in. There are at least four people who think I'm a babbling idiot tonight, probably telling their loved ones about it around the dinner table.
The bubbly absent minded research assistant finally got to the information desk, and took me back to an exam room. She then proceeded to get lost in the building, not returning for another five minutes. She said she literally was knocking on doors to find where she'd left me. Her excuse: "This is a maze!" To her credit, this wasn't her usual clinic.
We filled out the questionnaire and consent release forms, and got right down to the blood part. She then says "Hmm.. I don't recognize this apparatus" as she pulls it out of the bag. I almost left. She then remembers suddenly that she has to take my blood pressure before she can draw blood, otherwise the reading would be skewed.
It gets worse.
She reaches for the cuff used to measure blood pressure, and says "I was hoping they had a machine in here." She then finally gives up to go ask for a stethoscope to take the reading. After coming back, she sighs and says "I hope I remember how to use this." Again, I almost left. If she'd said one word about "I hope I find the right vein," I would have.
I usually have quite a bit of faith in the medical profession, despite the belief that pharmaceutical companies, not doctors, make far too many decisions as to treatment of ailments. I just hope this study business actually produces results. I figure I'll inevitably need to be put on blood pressure medication, and maybe this could help develop more effective drugs.