The Physical of all Physicals

Today I spent most of the day getting ready for the start of my new journey. What I thought was going to be a routine physical, turned into an 8 hour extravaganza.

The early morning was rushed. Katrina and I got the kids up and dressed. I dropped them off at day care, got a splash of gas, and headed off to my appointment. I pulled into an empty parking lot a little before eight. I noticed the office was dark, so I waited a few minutes. Sure enough, the doors opened right at eight. I went in, introduced myself, and the physical got underway. Because the nurse was stuck in traffic, I was only able to have my blood pressure checked, my height and weight recorded, and my blood drawn. After a few minutes of paper work, I was told to head out for a chest x-ray.

9:15 I arrived at the Chattanooga Outpatient Clinic, checked in, and yes..filled out more paperwork. 40 minutes and two x-rays later, I'm heading back to finish my physical (or so I thought).

It was a little past 10, when I headed back through the door. There were a few more folks in the office. I was called back to the employee kitchen which also functioned as the hearing test room. After a few instructions, she shut the door on a small isolation booth..and away the test went. Three beeps here, a few clicks there and the test was over. And there I sat, in a small room. Waiting for someone to come back. Eventually, I went back into the waiting room.

11:00, I start the 1st part of the test. Did I forget to mention that the last time I went to the bathroom was 3:00 am. You see, I've had these physicals before. And one item on the list for sure is a drug test. I was going to be prepared. So I held it. All morning. After the drug test, I had a vision test, vital sign check, EKG check, and a breathalyzer. I was one test away from having phase 1 complete, when the lunch bell rang (well not really, but the staff was ready for lunch). So they kicked me out.

12:15, I went across the street to Burger King. What a lunch...a Jr. Wopper. What can you do. I also called work to let them know that I was going to be later than expected.

1:00, I went back inside the office. Instead of finishing up Phase 1, they ushered me to Phase 2. Phase 2 consisted of me taking off my clothes and putting on an opened back paper dress. What a site. The nurse did her tests, explained some things, and then placed me back into the waiting room.

2:00, I go in for the final test of Phase 1. The breathing test. Take a deep breath, and blow out through a tube. Three times. Finally I was done. I was given my paper work, and sent to the Chattanooga Fire Department's Supply Building.

3:20, I arrived at the front door of the supply center. From the note I received, I would be getting fitted for my SCBA Mask and Turnout gear. The fit for the mask was great. You put the mask on and completed several tasks...breathing normally, deep breathing, talking, etc.etc. From there, we gathered up a new pair of gloves, Turnout pants and coat, accessories, and a new pair of boots.

I've never been more excited to get custom fit gear. In O'Fallon, they did their best to get us gear that fit...but they only had what the had. I remember my boots, were too big. My feet would slide around in them. It made it really difficult to walk, let alone climb ladders. Today, they had boots that fit my feet. In fact, I changed sizes to get the best fit possible. What a great way to end the day.

4:35, I finally get to work and clock in.

8:35, I headed home for the night....All in all, a great day!