Page 105 of Beyond the Stroke

Rory looks up from his typing. “This is very helpful.”

“If you have any further questions, you can give the nurse line a call.”

“Can I get that number?” Rory asks.

Dr. Lasgo pulls a card out from the plastic holder on the wall and hands it to Rory.

“There you go.”

“Thanks.”

The doctor goes through the exam. Easy stuff like listening to my lungs and checking my ears and throat. Then, she examines my wrist that was injured in Rory’s skateboarding debacle.

“Is this still painful?” she asks, gently manipulating my wrist.

“A little bit tender but not like it was.”

Dr. Lasgo nods. “I’d say you can stop using the brace. Take it easy but see how it feels to get full range of motion.”

“Okay.” I nod, happy to be rid of the brace.

“Now, Summer, I see you checked the box for birth control. That’s something you would like to discuss at this visit?”

At Dr. Lasgo’s words, Rory stands, nearly knocking over the tray beside the exam table. “Should I be here for this?”

Dr. Lasgo smiles kindly. “I think family planning conversations are important for both parties.”

“Family planning?” Rory sits back down.

I’m about to disagree with Dr. Lasgo but it might be weird if I ask for Rory to leave. I mean, can it really get any more awkward than the choking and breath play comment?

“What is your current form of birth control?” Dr. Lasgo asks.

“Um, condoms?” It’s a safe answer. It’s what most people use. Most people who are having sex, which Rory and I are not.

“Is there any chance you could be pregnant?”

Do not look at Rory. Do not look at Rory.

“No.” I shake my head.

“Have you ever been on oral contraception before?” the doctor continues.

“Yes. In college. About four years ago.”

“Was there a reason you stopped taking the medication? Any side effects you were experiencing?”

Let’s see, I broke up with my boyfriend who was cheating on me and swore off guys so birth control wasn’t really on my mind.Until now.

Until Rory.The words float from the back of my brain where classified information is stored.

“No side effects. Just an insurance thing.”

“Are you interested in a low-dose estrogen pill? Or would you like to discuss other options?”

“The pill is fine.” I’m dying to move this conversation to something else.

“Okay. There shouldn’t be any interference with your medications. Do either of you need STD screening while you’re here?” Dr. Lasgo looks at me before shifting her gaze to Rory.

---