A Cheerful Heart

Last week Mom complained of stomach pain, but she couldn’t tell me where it hurt. I asked the staff nurse to check on her.

Nurse: So, Flo, your daughter says you are experiencing stomach pains?

Mom: I am?

Me: Yes, remember? You said your stomach hurts?

Mom: I don’t think so.

Nurse: Okay. How have you been doing? Any problems?

Mom: Well, my stomach hurts.

The nurse and I exchanged glances. The nurse pressed lightly on her abdomen: Any pain when I do this?

Mom: No.

The doctor pressed on various areas of her abdomen, pelvic area and lower back.

Doctor: No pain when I touch it here?

Mom: No.

Doctor: Does it hurt worse after you eat?

Mom: I don’t think so.

Doctor: Okay, Flo, lie back on the table so you can point out exactly where it hurts. We may need to order an ultrasound.

The nurse helped Mom remove her blouse. Her bra was on backward, clasped across her belly. The nurse unclasped the bra.

Mom: It doesn’t hurt anymore!