Hi girlcat. Wow. Good thing they decided to do that tonsillectomy!

And Gary, I am tickled by your answer. Not only because I now know a whole lot more about direct visualization -- but also because you've solved the mystery of what those heated glass beads are for!

Yay!

Wouldn't it be better if terms like 'professionals taking a close look and feel and ordering further tests/delivering an opinion based on extensive training and experience' be more helpful for the majority of the general public???
Why are we so surrounded by jargon these days????
Is there any wonder the 'man in the street' is frightened and confused???

Sorry, brenda!

Brenda,
if they they spoke in plain English we could all be doctors (or lawyers). They have both created their own languages. They go to school for many years to learn this language (among many other things of course -not to mention illegible cat-scratch that only a pharmacist can read ha ha).

I live with a Tabors Medical Cyclopedic Dictionary next to my desk - and I still feel like a cat chasing my tail sometimes.

This is always the risk of getting the raw reports. Radiologists are duty bound to report EVERY anomoly even, in some cases, knowing that they are a normal part of the healing process.

If you get full medical reports you have to take some of this in your stride (or get some good anti-anxiety meds).

Thought I'd post an update. Nurse Practitioner called yesterday with results of PET scan.

CLEAR!

Thank you so much for your information, advice and support.

darcy (Matt's mom)