NURSE: Do you have breast implants?This is the instinctive all-inclusive political correctness I carry about in my daily doings here in Madison, Wisconsin. Not that the nurse would have expressed disapproval if I'd said anything wrong. And I'm not even sure if my self-protective instinctive political correctness is a comic routine. It is something I see myself doing. Sorry if that's TMI on the breasts, but I'm just saying: Come on, everybody, get your flu shots and (if needed) mammograms.
ME [with slight disgust and amusement]: Nooo! [Changing my tone:] Oh, I mean, I didn't mean any disrespect to the women who have breast implants.
January 11, 2013
Tomorrow is my birthday, but today is a day for...
... getting a flu shot — done! — and a mammogram — later. The mammogram is something I'd been putting off, but deciding to go in for the flu shot gave me the push I needed to schedule the mammogram. Dialogue with the nurse:
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My birthday is the day after tomorrow. I will be getting neither.
Come on, everybody, get your flu shots and (if needed) mammograms.
...and breast implants.
I have to say, I read and re-read the dialog a couple of times wondering at the PC response only to see you addressed that the very next line. At the very least, you're self-aware and that's more than can be said for far, far too many.
If the nurse asks the implant question after looking you over, that would be a complement, right?
The nurse has to ask about implants because a different technique is used to image the breasts. Good going on the flu shot. Better late than never. As usual, people were fooled by the mild season last year. of course, I blame George W Bush.
So are you saying that you do disrespect women who have breast implants, you're just afraid to say it in Madison?
If the nurse asks the implant question after looking you over, that would be a complement, right?
You do realize that not all breast implants are related to vanity? (e.g., reconstruction after cancer)
Rush Limbaugh's birthday is tomorrow. He's not politically correct and it wouldn't surprise me to learn that he skips flu shots and has never had a mammogram.
Plastic tits are the WORST. I could on but I'll stop. You're welcome.
You do realize that not all breast implants are related to vanity? (e.g., reconstruction after cancer)
You do realize that not all comments are to be taken with utmost sincerity?
At least the nurse didn't say "sweet rack."
and has never had a mammogram.
In his case, he might need one.
But would it surprise you if he has had a mammogram?
Too bad the pediatrician's office has no flue shots, my four kids go without. I was told to 'call around'.
This is Massachusetts.
And from the apparent demographics (age & sex) of your commenters you should probably be suggesting prostate checks.
At least the nurse didn't say "sweet rack."
And by the way, they're real- and they're spectacular.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Implant
"So are you saying that you do disrespect women who have breast implants, you're just afraid to say it in Madison?"
My instinctive reaction was along the lines of: How dare you suggest I'm that kind of woman?! I was surprised to hear myself express that opinion, which I had only in relation to myself. I wouldn't accept cutting up my body for that purpose. I think it's gross.
Then I thought about the reason the question is appropriate and the fact that there are plenty of women who have breast implants and I wanted to back away from seeming to be saying anything about them.
I don't go around "disrespecting" them or even thinking about them, unless I notice in some particular case that someone has breasts that are really bad for some reason, not that women's breasts are something that grab my attention. I might disrespect a particular woman's approach to drawing special attention to her breasts, and if implants were involved, that would factor into my judgment.
I don't have a general opinion of disrespect for the women who go in for implants. Some are getting breast reconstruction. Some are individuals with low self-esteem or weakness toward pressure from others. Some are being practical about some social or professional advantage.
I'd look at the individual. Getting breast implants is something you can do. Even some men get them. I'd wonder why some individual would do it.
Happy Birthday, Ann! Mine is next Sunday (20). I'll be 59.
Yeah, I noticed the instinctive PC the other day when you talked about getting the shot.
You framed it in terms like "not wanting to be a vector" Like there's some greater good to be accomplished.
Well in my world the reason I get a flu shot is because I don't like getting sick. If other people get a flue shot they're not doing it for me.
Flus shot! Leopard changing shots. Nice.
"Surfed said...
And from the apparent demographics (age & sex) of your commenters you should probably be suggesting prostate checks.
Nah. We've all had them removed. Donated them to a women's shelter.
It's not at all as clear as you might think that virtually every thinking person (or his or her kids) ought to have a flu shot. It's certainly a low-risk move, but the benefits are marginal.
But do wash your hands frequently,and eat well.
Yeah, my stupid old phone (now being used by my wife) caused me to jump the gun.
I just hope I'm not the only commenter, here, who checks his own prostate.
Just had a birthday.
No flu shot.
Two Manhattans.
Got the flu shot in September. Still got the flu last week. Had to listen to a bunch of know-it-alls tell me at least it was a mild case. Fuck you, Charlie! It wasn't mild from where I was sitting.
Nobody else in the family got it though, so there's that.
I see today's theme in the making:
"Academics struggle with..."
Meade, you don't have to brag.
Ann Althouse said...
And I'm not even sure if my self-protective instinctive political correctness is a comic routine. It is something I see myself doing.
I think you've established your PI cred beyond doubt. You want people respected, but suppression of free speech (which is what PC is all about) is beyond the pale.
So are you saying that you do disrespect women who have breast implants, you're just afraid to say it in Madison?
My instinctive reaction was along the lines of: How dare you suggest I'm that kind of woman?! I was surprised to hear myself express that opinion, which I had only in relation to myself. I wouldn't accept cutting up my body for that purpose. I think it's gross.
You and The Blonde. She cannot understand women with tattoos, piercings, etc. Her philosophy is, "God gave me a perfectly beautiful body (second that) and I have no need to mark it up".
Seinfeld show was genius for picking up on "not that there's anything wrong with that" what, 20 years ago? (Looked it up, 20 years almost to the day.)
"Yeah, I noticed the instinctive PC the other day when you talked about getting the shot. You framed it in terms like "not wanting to be a vector" Like there's some greater good to be accomplished."
I really do think about the greater good. Not to the extent that I'd say: Would it be better for the national budget if a lot of boomers like me got the flu and left the planet?
But I did, for example, say: I read there is a shortage, and I don't want to take it unless I should be one of the ones, if there is a shortage, who will be given priority in a shortage.
(I was told there's no shortage here.)
"She cannot understand women with tattoos, piercings, etc."
I have pierced ears.
Mitchell the Bat said...
I just hope I'm not the only commenter, here, who checks his own prostate.
Mitch, you do know you can order your test kit through the convenient Althouse Amazon portal, don't you?
"Price: $29.95
In Stock.
* Convenient test that can be conducted in your home or office
* Inexpensive way to discover you own prostate gland
* PSA screening test for early detection of Prostate disease"
Nothing says "we love your blog" like purchasing your home test kit through the Althouse portal!
I have pierced ears.
The response to that is probably something akin to "No, I mean REAL piercings, not your Stepford ears."
Happy birthday in advance, and congratulations on your perception extending through at least a couple or three of the barber-shop mirrors.
Ann,
I'm surprised your doc didn't hound you about getting a mammogram sooner, or maybe this isn't your first one. Next on the list colonoscopy and bone scan. Some of the goodies that come with reaching our age, I'm a year younger than you get by a few days.
Ears pierced and a small tatoo here, as for breast implants, yes many mastectomy patients do go ahead and get the implants, one terrific use of plastic surgery.
Happy Birthday. Gotta love those Capricorns (my daughter is one.)
Didn't think you were getting a flu shot, Althouse. By the way, I got mine yesterday.
"I'm surprised your doc didn't hound you about getting a mammogram sooner, or maybe this isn't your first one."
Oh, no. I have had many mammograms over the years, just not one every damned year. I tend to put off making appointments. I'll be 62 years old tomorrow. Of course, I haven't gone without mammograms all these years. I'm not one of these mammogram wienies who don't want to be scrunched in the machine. Man up, ladies.
"Next on the list colonoscopy..."
Done that. Even with the deterrent that my father died after some things that went wrong with a colonoscopy.
"Ears pierced and a small tatoo here, as for breast implants, yes many mastectomy patients do go ahead and get the implants, one terrific use of plastic surgery."
If I had a mastectomy, I think I would look at the positive side of not having breasts, but I think it would be bad to have only one breast.
Ann Althouse said...
"The response to that is probably something akin to "No, I mean REAL piercings, not your Stepford ears.""
Yeah, but my only reason for mentioning it was to needle edutcher over his continual assertions that his wife is like me. Every fucking time he says that it's obvious to me that she's not. Is he trying to annoy me? If so, he's awfully subtle, and I find it hard to believe he's subtle, which would be really fucking subtle. Can you tell how annoyed I am?
The worst part of the colonoscopy in my experience was the prep, oh dear gawd.....
I am seriously considering augmentation/implants, for what I would call reconstructive purposes.
At age 50, I've lived most of my adult life not getting why women would do this, and even feeling a little smug and above it myself. I find it pretty powerful lesson that I now "get it", and painfully so.
By the way, Inga had written, in response to my "blond" tirade:
"Ah, but "the blond" is perfect in all ways, we women of Althouse must strive to emulate her!"
I deleted it above as part of my needing to correct a typo in my comment (which requires reposting and deleting).
"The worst part of the colonoscopy in my experience was the prep, oh dear gawd....."
I think people over-complain about that. Just do it, people. Don't be a wienie.
Hope your mammogram results are nice and boring, Ann!
As for "man up", I wonder what men would do if, in order to have a sensitive part of their anatomy imaged properly, they had to have it squished to the point of discomfort? ;)
@Ann
One of those emotions there is no name for.
"I am seriously considering augmentation/implants, for what I would call reconstructive purposes. At age 50, I've lived most of my adult life not getting why women would do this, and even feeling a little smug and above it myself. I find it pretty powerful lesson that I now "get it", and painfully so."
I'm not saying this is your situation (and it's not my situation), but here's a situation that I would understand. When you're younger, you have breasts that you like, but as you age, they get really droopy or flattened out, and they seem to need to need to be filled out to look right.
If you are young and you have relatively small breasts, I would say, don't mess them up with implants. They might age really well. You might say: I don't care what they look like when I'm 50 and I don't even want to think about how I'll look when I'm 60, but some day, if you don't die young, you will.
The question is individual. Think about yourself individually.
Good luck!
"The worst part of the colonoscopy in my experience was the prep, oh dear gawd....."
-----------
"I think people over-complain about that. Just do it, people. Don't be a wienie."
------------
I did it this past summer, that Go Lightly is damn evil I tell ya, I threw half of it up and had to drink more the next day.....BUT in comparison to having colon cancer, I'd do it again. If your results are OK, you won't have to have another for ten years now.
Thanks, Ann.
Turns out that if you lose a lot of weight, well, you can't pick where you lose it.
I'm healthy and in large part happier than ever despite the loss, though.
Breast implants used to look like the equivalent of a cheap toupee. But over the years great strides have been made, and they look quite natural. They're not just for Vegas showgirls anymore..But moderation in all things. I saw the recent photo of Taylor Swift in a plunging neckline. They looked phoney. Many women wish for a bust line to match their ego instead of their body frame. Sometimes less is more.
"Turns out that if you lose a lot of weight, well, you can't pick where you lose it."
Congratulations on losing weight. What are your diet tips?
Ann Althouse said...
The response to that is probably something akin to "No, I mean REAL piercings, not your Stepford ears."
Yeah, but my only reason for mentioning it was to needle edutcher over his continual assertions that his wife is like me. Every fucking time he says that it's obvious to me that she's not. Is he trying to annoy me? If so, he's awfully subtle, and I find it hard to believe he's subtle, which would be really fucking subtle. Can you tell how annoyed I am?
No intent to annoy intended.
You two are alike in some ways, very unalike in others; I just used that as a point to say something about Herself.
You've been in a mood the last couple of days, but I had no desire to make it worse.
"Congratulations on losing weight. What are your diet tips?"
I took up running. As I got more fit just from that, I realized how much work it was to move my heavy body and it really made me think hard before I overate. I made a promise to myself that no matter what I ate, I'd get up and run anyway. I kept that promise.
Additionally, I cut my carbs by a lot and still watch very closely. Very little pasta or refined sugar. Whole wheat.
I wish I had a better answer, or knew why I suddenly found the willpower. I don't know, and I'd truly love to be able to pass it on and to help anyone I could. I just don't know.
PS The Blonde would rather have a tooth pulled than have a mammogram.
But I wouldn't call her a weenie.
I just hope I'm not the only commenter, here, who checks his own prostate.
I have mine checked weekly. Can't be too careful, you know.
I've just been reading about a problem that those who have been eating very lowcarb for a significant amount of time are seeing now.
It's the loss of epithelial cells in the large colon because the diet is significantly lacking in resistant starch, which is found in potatoes, rice and legumes. Also the microflora of the gut changes to allow overgrowth of bacteria of a few sorts, that can cause IBS or even colitis.
Short chain fatty acids are the result of fermentation which happens in the large intestine and these are Butyrate (found in potatoes, cold potatoes the best source), Propionic Acid (found in blueberries), and Acetic Acid( vinegar!).
So in order to avoid a new long term low carbers colitis, and maintain those good microflora in your large intestine, eat some potatoes, blueberries and vinegary foods, like sour kraut, pickles, kimchee, other fermented foods with vinegar.
Interesting stuff, Inga. I'm grateful for the information.
Darcy,
Sweet or white potatoes eaten two or three times a week really don't wreck a lowcarb diet. The Paleo folks are on a better track than traditional lowcarb, IMO.
Also pre and probiotics are very helpful in rebuilding that epithelial lining and is recommended by many gastroenterologists.
Forgot to mention that continuous inflammation of the colon is associated with colon cancer also, just an FYI for lowcarbers.
I guess it's become acceptable for men to brag about their wives breasts online as well as between the guys? Meade's announcement that Ann's breasts are spectacular was TMI, unless he also wants to go full monty for the "public good." But I didn't think this was that kind of blog. Kinky midwesterners...
Happy b day, fellow Cap! I'm 62 on the 16th.
Happy 62nd!
I had my flu shot in October, as well as a shingles shot. Mammogram is scheduled for Monday. I have them annually since the women in my family have a history of breast cancer.
However, a "sort of" funny colonoscopy story: I had my first and, thus far, only colonscopy on my 60th birthday. When i was wheeled into the room, the two nurse and a doctor there sang Happy Birthday to me. Really!
Happy Birthday Althouse and Brian.
Blogger R. Chatt said...
I guess it's become acceptable for men to brag about their wives breasts online as well as between the guys? Meade's announcement that Ann's breasts are spectacular was TMI, unless he also wants to go full monty for the "public good."
So, did you get the reference or not?
Dave Barry once wrote that the prep for a colonoscopy was akin to a space shuttle launch, with him as the shuttle. Apparently it's gotten better since then. You could also mix the powder with vodka instead of water. ;)
One patient apparently asked the doctor to write a note to his wife, confirming that the doctor had not found the husband's head up there.
Forget the mammogram and get a colonoscopy instead. That will probably be a bigger life saver.
1-11-13, my birthday. Happiest of days to you.
Trey
Funny, I just read the Dave Barry column after my 3rd or 4th colonoscopy last month. (Dad had colon cancer, putting me in the high risk category.) Dave nailed it pretty much - imagine the worst drunk you've ever seen or heard puking his guts out - the other end, then you take the second dose.
The prep is the worst of it, but it's not as bad as a good day at Parris Island.
@CyndiF "breasts are spectacular" -- actually I didn't know it or get the reference. I'm not up on the vernacular -- had to google it.
35,000 hits and so many spectacular breasts. TMI
Following the preparation for a colonoscopy is the only time that when someone says that I'm full of it I can truthfully answer, "No, I'm not".
Men sometimes need mammograms. A friend had one scheduled after finding a lump. He said he got strange looks from the ladies in the waiting room. The lump turned out to be a side effect of the anti-cholesterol medicine he's on and all was well.
USA Today rated the best diets overall. The Paleo diet came in last.
Deb, I found that list on US News Best Diets. You know how I know whoever compiled that list is misinformed? They put the Ornish Diet toward the top of that list. Dietary fat phobia at play here, IMO.
Best wishes for a happy birthday, althouse.
Me -
No flu shot.
Pierced ears
No tattoos
Complete and utter mammogram weenie (sp?)
A California cosmetic surgery practice is opening a new office where breast augmentation surgery is done on an outpatient basis in about 30 minutes.
They are going to call the practice "Jiffy Boob."
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