When we go for a checkup or are seen by the general practicioner or a cardiologist, auscultation is pretty much expected. However, have you ever been listened to by someone who you wouldn't normally expect to do so? About two weeks ago I went to an endocrinologist for a consultation regarding suspected hormone imbalance, a condition determined through bloodwork. Before I went in to her office, I had my pulse and BP checked by a nurse. Not really necessary but hey, a nice surprise. Then I went in to see the doctor. She was dressed pretty casual, no white coat or anything, but she did have a stethoscope wrapped around her neck. I thought it was just there, like doctors often wear it. However, after the consultation she told me to take my shirt off and started listening to my heart. After listening intently for a while, she listened to my back and then told me to lie down on my back. She briefly proceeded to listen to my heart, then she put the steth at an unexpected place - right below my sternum, slightly to the left. I see no reason why she'd do that except that I have a visible heartbeat and I'm assuming she saw it and just wanted to listen there. Then she listened to my stomach, around my liver, and after that she proceeded to percuss and palpate for it. I guess it was just a general checkup, but I really didn't see much practical need for it, and didn't really see it coming from an endocrinologist. Regardless, I'm looking forward to my followup visit later this month 😁
Has anyone here been examined and stethed pretty much out of the blue?