In the vast and mysterious medical world of patient encounters,(Yes, that's what they call them--you can look it up) I have come to the conclusion that numbers trump words, almost every time.
Test the theory. Walk into a medical office, prepared to state your case. That means you want to explain your condition or your concerns, if you have any, or to relate any perceived changes, or just to understand what has, or is, occurring in the mortal coil you know as your body. Nine times out of ten, your doctors, or your medical providers, are sitting in front of a printout of your latest medical tests or notes presented by an assistant of some order. It would be the first time the doctors have seen them, or thought of the patient to whom they applied. That would be you. When they turn from the computer and ask how you are doing, it's up to you whether to respond with your health issues, or to just take the query as a greeting, and respond accordingly. "Fine, thank you. And yourself?"
It doesn't matter, either way. Your words are not supreme. The doctors rely on the numbers. What you utter is soon forgotten. You will be directed into the cattle chute of possibilities indicated by your numbers, not your words. And therefore more technical data, fit to be deciphered into statistics which too often defy any meaningful verbal transition.
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