people waiting in waiting rooms for dr's appointments

I also had an appointment today as well. Mine was not like that I had to go to the hospital and get injections into my spine. Let me tell ya they are not fun at all and the first time I got them they hurt like &*(). There were several people coming in for different procedures like X-rays, ultrasounds, these injections. I actually got to talking to a guy then another guy piped in after hearing what we were talking about. I was telling them what to expect when getting these needles done. They sure felt releived after me telling them to more so stay calm and relaxed as possible. They never had them before and they both thanked me after their procedure was done and they both said that it was a breeze.

Hi there ...you arent alone in wondering this!!! Ive often wondered why a waiting room has to be such a quiet place!!! I see the reasoning that some who feel very unwell wouldnt feel like speaking...but surely theres no harm in changing greetings now and again!!! Like you surgery ...the people waiting in mine always tend to look a wee bit fed up!! Maybe we just expect too much!!

Firstly congrats on the good results! Secondly, what I would do in a waiting room, I honestly don't pay attention to the others other than when they will be taken! I am not very patient waiting for the dr! I just want to get my appointments over and done with.

Well if you live in Canada where we have long waiting rooms, and especially in Manitoba, they are probably wondering why the others who have just a small scratch are here, why there is not enough doctors, why there is enough nurses. They are also worried besides if they will survive and if it is not something critical, whether they will be home in time for dinner, whether their son or daughter had a key, etc.

Well it depends... I think being in the doctors office forces you to think, I mean because its quiet and probably filled with strangers, but some people are quiet and some are talkative, some might want to discuss what they are there for with others, and some might be inclined to hiding behind a book just hoping they don't see anyone they know... LOL Some people like to be around others experiencing the same things they are and it sometimes leads to a very interesting conversation in some doctor's offices and sure some people might be worried about themselves and what the doctor will say but I think the majority of us are just kind of hoping they hurry and call our names so we can go back and get closer to leaving!

I tend to be concious of who is sitting there. Usually becase I am wondering whether they are being distubed by my children who tend to decide they want to be active and noisy when it is inappropriate!

I'm glad your tests came back good. That is a relief, isn't it. As for wondering what people are thinking in the waiting room, I admit I usually talk to some of them. Sometimes in a waiting room people won't look at each other, but I'm one who doesn't mind if someone wants to start a conversation. So if someone looks at me, I smile, and sometimes they start a discussion with me. Or like the last time, two women came in teasing each other and carrying on and I thought they were hilarious. So I told them so and we got to talking. They ended up telling me why they were there, and it killed the time.

oh i sooooo hate to wait at the drs appt and i go to so many! they are sooo boring to wait until its your turn and usually (here in canada anyways) the drs are behind... i dont mind watching people (i enjoy doing this at the mall...)the last time i had a surgeon's appt, i struck up a conversation with a gentleman who was also waiting (it was my first visit, so i got a feel for the dr) so that was helpful, but i usually bring a book to read or check out the magazines that are there.

It depends on what kind of office it is and the types of people there. At the pediatric cardiologist I wonder if the other kids have minor heart problems like my son or if they are more serious. At the family practitioner, the scared looking teenage girl makes me wonder if she's just generally nervous about her appointment or if she thinks she's pregnant, the elderly couples always make me think about how hard it must be to watch your spouse of many years slowly decline...but the other kids there just make me wonder what germs are being spead to my own kids!

I always have a book or magazine with me whenever I go out so I have something to read while waiting. Yes, I observe it at few occasions, somewhat everyone is just looking at each other and not showing any emotion. Maybe, they are just taking cautious not to take any negative comment from someone who might have a big problem for the doctor.

Hi Hatley, I am so glad your tests are good..I do wonder the same thing when I am waiting for my appt....

Like AmbiePam, I don't wonder what people are thinking--I engage them! If they'd rather not talk, I'm quick to pick up on it and leave them alone but most people are either nervous, bored or worried and they enjoy talking with someone. I always try to make them laugh, might be the only laugh they have all day. I'm so glad your test results were good!!

I usually stay busy with my crochet or reading a book, so I don't ponder things like that. I do notice people, but not to where I'm trying to get into their head or anything.

Yes, when I was in a doctor's appointment waiting for my name to be called, I just can't help checking and thinking why other people are here. I observe them by simply glancing at them then I don't know, if I see someone very sad, it really scares me... you know... and I pray that nothing bad will happen...

I try to occupy myself when in a crowded waiting room. Sometimes I am able to strike up a conversation with those who are waiting, othertimes not. Some people are open to a conversation with a complete stranger. I start with idle conversation and try to build it from there. If nobody responds I will sit behind a magazine and pretend to be engrossed in the content while my eyes are checking out the other people in the room.

I think it depends on what kind of clinic you are in. If you are in a specialised clinic then yes I would prob wonder what the others are thinking I did wonder when I was waiting to have a colonoscopy but when I am sat at my GP's surgery I can honestly say I dont wonder what the others are thinking or are there for im more concerned about my own thoughts.