I still play basketball usually 4 times a week, and it happens that some of the regular players are physicians.
This morning I ran into someone’s elbow with my face (it really was my fault), and the edge of my glasses cut a long deep slit in my cheek. Blood was running down my face as I ran to the bathroom to get paper towels.
After I came out, huddled around me in conference to determine the best way to proceed were three physicians : an anesthesiologist, a gynecologist, and a general surgeon.
They all had their opinion, but in the end I went with the surgeon who put in three stitches. I’m going to have a black eye for a few days and probably a scar, but otherwise I’ll be fine.
I’ve had similar injuries before and usually just put on a butterfly and band aid, but this one seemed a little deeper, and it’s nice to have professional help when you need it.
11 responses so far ↓
1 Richard // Mar 2, 2010 at 3:23 pm
I’m sure glad you didn’t go with the gynecologist’s recommendation…
Out of curiosity, was he able to do it there or did you have to go to his office? Did he give you a discount?
2 Daryl // Mar 2, 2010 at 4:08 pm
We went to his office, which was nearby. No charge.
I also thought about making a joke about the gynecologist, but had better taste. ;p
3 Mom // Mar 2, 2010 at 5:17 pm
If you ran into the surgeon’s arm, maybe he was afraid you would sue him, so he decided to play the hero. Knowing how klutzy you are, I am sure that it was your fault!
4 Donna // Mar 2, 2010 at 9:57 pm
Hey, gynecologists put in sutures all the time, but usually not in the face. ;o) This is not the first time you’ve smashed your face. Are you playing a little too rough? Be careful!
5 Mom // Mar 2, 2010 at 10:40 pm
Besides all that, you are too old to be playing basketball!
6 Daryl // Mar 3, 2010 at 10:34 am
Too old, too shmold!
OK, admittedly I’m almost always the oldest one out there, but I think the benefits to my health outweigh the risks. It’s the only way I can discipline myself to get exercise. I’ve tried bikes, jogging and gyms, but it’s too easy to put it off or cut it short. With the excitement of competitive play I look forward to going and am impatient when I have to miss.
When I start needing a cane to get down the court, then maybe I will be too old!
7 Dale // Mar 3, 2010 at 5:34 pm
Who needs single payer when you have friends like that!
8 Don // Mar 10, 2010 at 7:47 am
Happy Birthday Daryl!
9 Daryl // Mar 10, 2010 at 9:56 am
Thanks Don. 59 seems like I’m getting close to middle age.
10 Dale // Mar 14, 2010 at 8:59 am
Wow! Daryl, your really old….What?….I can’t be! Happy belated!
11 Daryl // Mar 26, 2010 at 5:19 pm
Here’s a picture of my face, after the stitches. Looks like 5 stitches, instead of the 3 I thought.