Wednesday, August 02, 2006

A little-known use for sandpaper

So I went to the doctor for a physical today. When they were getting me ready for the ECG and stress test, they prepped me with SANDPAPER.

Yes, they sandpapered me every place they affixed an electrode.

They sanded me, and then they followed with alcohol.

Let me repeat that: After abrading my skin quite vigorously, they followed with a bracing alcohol rub.

And then they sanded me again.

I should have asked if they used a special medical-grade sandpaper. Surely they didn't go to work with something they grabbed off the shelf at Home Depot--doesn't sound sanitary.

And now, 8 hours later, I still have red, irritated blotches.

Update
Look what I found out on the WWW:

Electrode Skin Prep PadPictured above. Each prep contains 70% alcohol along with pumice to gently abrade skin. 100 per box.B59800
Price: $6.55

Notice the word "gently". My doctor was too cheap to buy the pre-packaged stuff.

And I'm still irritated.
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12 comments:

  1. will smamaWednesday, August 2, 2006 at 9:22:00 PM EST

    Ummm, wtf? Why? Wha?

    ReplyDelete
  2. LorraineThursday, August 3, 2006 at 12:03:00 PM EST

    Ouch!

    ReplyDelete
  3. GrishThursday, August 3, 2006 at 12:34:00 PM EST

    Geez! Sounds like your DR. went to Medieval Dr. school

    ReplyDelete
  4. will smamaFriday, August 4, 2006 at 10:10:00 AM EST

    Good point grish! Did they place leeches on you? Was your prescription eye of newt?

    ReplyDelete
  5. UnknownFriday, August 4, 2006 at 3:23:00 PM EST

    So sorry, hope they heal.

    Bob said that is standard procedure, but not home depot type sand paper.

    He said they did it to him, and it is gently with a very very very fine sand paper.

    ReplyDelete
  6. the tentmakerFriday, August 4, 2006 at 11:10:00 PM EST

    I've had that treatment. Ouch!

    ReplyDelete
  7. OtiliaSaturday, August 12, 2006 at 12:30:00 AM EST

    yes, your medical clinic is full of everyday items masquerading as medical supplies. I remember my ob-gyn spaying my pap smear slide with an aerosol can, wrapped in white paper. Closer examination proved it to be a can of Aquanet hairspray. I commented on it to the doc. The next time I visited, there were two layers of white paper around the can.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Dorcas (aka SingingOwl)Tuesday, August 15, 2006 at 9:57:00 AM EST

    LOL at Edy. My husband once had to use a very expensive wrap around a dressing. The nurse gave him a tip. Go to the local Farm and Fleet store and buy "vet wrap." It's used on horses, and for a fraction of the price. Also comes in an array of colors.

    ReplyDelete
  9. AnonymousTuesday, October 11, 2016 at 4:22:00 PM EST

    They did it to me yesterday...... my skin is still blotchy. The crabapple nurse who did it before the test told me to put lotion on it when I got home..... OUCH. Damn - stung like hell - I'm still sore and blotchy 24 hours later. Test was fine - I'm happy I'm healthy.... but the sandpaper. REALLY?????

    ReplyDelete
  10. AnonymousSaturday, June 30, 2018 at 1:06:00 PM EST

    Same here. It's been 4 days and it's still EXTREMELY red and painful. I'm using everything I can think of to lessen the pain. Also, I'm diabetic. Don't think having wounds are good. Hello!?

    ReplyDelete
  11. AnonymousMonday, January 7, 2019 at 8:37:00 PM EST

    It took me three weeks to recover from this "gentle" sandpapering I had six years ago. I couldn't wear a bra for over a week. In this day and age, there is no excuse for this abuse. I am dreading another stress test (chemical due to physical impairment) next week, and at 69, I need that bra! If I have a heart attack, it will be because of that stupid "sanding".

    ReplyDelete
  12. AnonymousWednesday, March 6, 2024 at 9:02:00 PM EST

    Thank you for posting. The girl was so nice, but I thought maybe she didn’t like me after all… 🤣 I’m bleeding

    ReplyDelete

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