For me over the years, the name for a physical exam has conveyed different significance. There has been an evolution over time regarding what it has been called and with it many memories to fuel my recollections and conversations on Zity.
1. As a child, I was told that I had to get a “check up.” This mean going to the exam with a parent, usually my mother, and having her remind me to “follow what the nurse and doctor tell you.” It didn’t take long for me to realize that I would not like hearing the nurse tell me anything!
2. The nurse carried all sorts of power only to have her commands supported or required by my mother. “Would you like for him to undress now?” Goodness, this is not something I ever looked forward to doing let along because mom brought it up before the nurse.
3. Those early years also were associated with “Let’s get his temp taken.” Yes mom would also echo, “Nick don’t argue and do what the nurse is telling you. You have to turn over and let her take your temperature.”
4. Then the code for a shot being ordered. “Yes, mom he is due.”
5. Later years as I entered my adolescence, mom had the date circled on a the wall calendar as “Physical.” By now, I was well aware that I would be undressed and receive a genital exam. Thankfully no parent was there to observe but that didn’t rule out a nurse. Never a good thing when she uttered, “One more thing.”
6. As an adult, the term Physical has morphed into “A Full Exam,” meaning there is no chance that you won’t be naked and completely probed.
In conclusion, my recollection of what going to the doctor meant was only intensified by what it was called. There is no doubt these days what lies in store when the exam room door closes.