Rain was forecast all day. Early this morning at 6:30 am In the dark and drizzle we nosed the Cadillac to the Queensway Carleton hospital in Bells Corners. The object was a bone density test.

A bone mineral density test or bone density test is an x-ray exam that determines the amount of calcium and other minerals in the bones. The greater the number, the better. The test is useful for determining if an individual has osteoporosis, and can tell doctors how advanced the condition is and what treatment to propose. Often, people do not realize that they have “brittle bones” until they have fallen and broken one. Bone density tests are fairly quick and painless.

The dawn had not broken.  The combination of darkness and rain made driving difficult. On the Queensway highway traffic slowed.  Google reported an accident. We opted to take the first exit to bypass the incremental delay. Even off the freeway and at lower speed, vision continued to be impaired by the darkness and rain. Fortunately I had a vague knowledge of what to expect so travel wasn’t perilous.  Gradually daylight was beginning to come.

We have frequented the QC hospital often. At the early hour it was no trouble securing a handicap parking space. Soon we were both seated in the (conveniently located) immediate waiting room.

The waiting began. First however the mandatory clipboard with the attached form to be completed. A nursing attendant, wearing a muffling mask, revolved again and again through the laboratory entrance, calling patients by their first names.

Not long afterwards the patient was called by name and ushered through the “DO NOT ENTER! STAFF ONLY” doorway with the curtained window.