Under and Over with Denise Rossetti

Okay, I know these things are a cheap shot, but I simply can’t resist. Ah, isn’t it remarkable what a tiny little typo - or a moment’s inattention - can do for a harried professional? Creates a completely unintentional Wordplay. English is a funny old language… I actually laughed out loud at a couple of these - which is my test for passing them on to you. *grin*

These are sentences actually typed by medical secretaries in NHS (National Health Service) Greater Glasgow. I imagine them being said with a strong Glaswegian accent. (And yes, I know our overworked and how fabulous hospital staff are the world over.)

1. The patient has no previous history of suicides.

2. Patient has left her white blood cells at another hospital.

3. Patient’s medical history has been remarkably insignificant with only a 40 pound weight gain in the past three days.

4. She has no rigors or shaking chills, but her husband states she was very hot in bed last night.

5. Patient has chest pain if she lies on her left side for over a year.

6. On the second day the knee was better and on the third day it disappeared.

7. The patient is tearful and crying constantly. She also appears to be depressed.

8. The patient has been depressed since she began seeing me in 1993.

9. Discharge status:- Alive, but without my permission.

10. Healthy appearing decrepit 69-year old male, mentally alert, but forgetful.

11. Patient had waffles for breakfast and anorexia for lunch.

12. She is numb from her toes down.

13. While in ER, she was examined, x-rated and sent home.

14. The skin was moist and dry.

15. Occasional, constant infrequent headaches.

16. Patient was alert and unresponsive.

17. Rectal examination revealed a normal size thyroid.

18. She stated that she had been constipated for most of her life until she got a divorce.

19. I saw your patient today, who is still under our care for physical therapy.

20. Both breasts are equal and reactive to light and accommodation.

21. Examination of genitalia reveals that he is circus sized…

22. The lab test indicated abnormal lover function.

23. Skin: somewhat pale, but present.

24. The pelvic exam will be done later on the floor.

25. Large brown stool ambulating in the hall.

26. Patient has two teenage children, but no other abnormalities

27. When she fainted, her eyes rolled around the room.

28. The patient was in his usual state of good health until his airplane ran out of fuel and crashed.

29. Between you and me, we ought to be able to get this lady pregnant.

30. She slipped on the ice and apparently her legs went in separate directions in early December.

31. Patient was seen in consultation by Dr. Smith , who felt we should sit on the abdomen and I agree.

32. The patient was to have a bowel resection. However, he took a job  as a stock broker instead.

33. By the time he was admitted, his rapid heart had stopped, and he was feeling better.

I’m rather partial to #28 and #32. Do you have a favourite?