A couple weeks ago I had a colonoscopy...

[awoke_in_2003]

other than getting stitches every once and a while, I have had no procedures done to me until that point. When they were filling out the pre-op paperwork I was asked for a religious preference. I found this very odd. Is it a normal question for hospitals?

[NYC_SKP]

1. Kind of routine, in my experience, in case you die or need last rites, etc.

I also had a routine scope done about three weeks ago.

I don't recall being asked, but then I'm not a new patient to the hospital and may have already been asked.

[awoke_in_2003]

2. Okay...

maybe I am just being paranoid, being an atheist in Texas and all.

[woodsprite]

27. When I went in for a hysterectomy, they had me fill that out and asked me

if I wanted to fill out or had on file a DNR and medical power of attorney. That rather upset me, but the nurse said they are required to ask both of those questions as part of the pre-op interview -- even if you're coming in to have a hangnail removed.

[bravenak]

3. Yes!!!

I always trip out on this question, but you better fill it out. True story.
I was fixing my ceiling fan last year and fell and hit my head on a metal TV stand. Knocked myself out so bad they gave me propofol at the hospital and put me into a coma to figure out what was wrong. I woke up with a fucking priest giving me last rites!! Thanks Mom!! He was touching me. Just on my hands, but it was icky. Oh and the holy water on my head like I was a vampire or some thing just pissed me off.
Apparently I never checked a box for religion or filled out the other bubble and put atheist. And I'm one of those refuse to get married until everybody else can people so she is my next of kin. I had to change that and change myself from catholic (she wrote that in)to atheist to get rid of the chaplain. And change my next of kin.
I always just though it was sufficient to say no religion. But I found that you have to explicitly say 'Atheist'. Or they will toss holy water and pray at you, and you don't even get cake and punch.

[awoke_in_2003]

4. I might take the holy water...

if it meant I got cake and punch

[bravenak]

5. Me too.

I've been know to politely sit through a fantasy session just for the refreshments. They kept me take the cake home afterward.

[awoke_in_2003]

6. The one thing I miss about church...

(my grandfather was a methodist minister) is the pot luck dinners. Hmmm, maybe I will pop into the local UMC for some free food

[bravenak]

7. They never turn a good atheist away.

They feed you to bring you back in. Like Hades and Persephone. One delicious treat, and you're stuck there for six months wondering if you're ever going to see the sun again.

[awoke_in_2003]

8. well, they say the way to a man's heart...

is through his stomach.

[bravenak]

9. That's how I stole my husband.

Sock it to me cake, butter cake, 7-up cake, all kinds of pie and cookies. Somebody might come and eat his delicious snacks for him, and I might make them a sweet potato pie, so he sticks close to home. I think I do it better than the church ladies, since I don't have anywhere to be afterward so I can take my time.
But I miss the church barbecues. I've never heard of an atheist barbecue. We're boring.

[AtheistCrusader]

23. It's just called a Barbeque.

No pretext required.

[0zone]

29. I look forward to Lent...

...and all those tasty Catholic Church fish fries. And if anyone asks, I lie and tell them I gave up chocolate for Lent and I love the new Pope whatever His name is!?

[AtheistCrusader]

22. Really? Are you SURE?

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/sep/15/most-holy-water-contaminated-fecal-matter-study/

[bravenak]

24. That is terrible.

Maybe I'll skip the holy water.

[NastyRiffraff]

18. Not my experience...

Last edited Mon Nov 11, 2013, 11:42 AM - Edit history (1)

I'm not saying you're wrong or that it didn't happen to you...and I'm sorry it did happen...their behavior was ridiculous! I've been in the hospital a few times, including a Catholic, Adventist, and secular. I've been asked about religious preferences every time. I always answer "none"'; they dutifully record it and I'm not bothered again (in that hospital).

[bravenak]

20. I just wasn't awake to answer the questions. Or they would not have done the holy water thing.

So my mother got to answer for me since I hadn't been to that hospital since I was a minor . I had my babies at Alaska Regional, but they took me to providence, which I think used to be catholic. She loves to fuck with me about my mortal soul. Or immortal soul? Idk really, I never listen anymore. They removed her at my request and told her not to do that shit anymore.

[Arugula Latte]

28. I think Providence is still Catholic.

I know ours has very creepy photos of old nuns and priests on its walls and a statue of white European Jesus on the cross. The death cult aspect of that religion always freaks me out, especially in a hospital. It is the closest one to us, though, unfortunately.

[Curmudgeoness]

10. I had one last year and don't remember that question,

but there were a lot of questions, so it might have been there. I do know that hospitals like to know so that they can have the proper chaplain/pastor/priest come to visit you if you have a problem. Be glad that they ask you, or you might just get the regular religious clergyman show up at your bedside.

I will have another procedure later this week, so will pay attention to whether I get this question.

[awoke_in_2003]

12. Good luck with your procedure. nt

[Curmudgeoness]

13. Thanks. It is no big deal.

Had colonoscopy with the gastro-endoscopy last year, this year is just another endoscopy. It was a piece of cake.

[awoke_in_2003]

14. Good to hear. nt

[Warpy]

11. Yes. If you're religious, you'll be offered a chaplain visit

Hospitals were the place I'd see the most "no religion" on forms.

[Brainstormy]

15. Say yes,

I'm allergic to it.

[Gore1FL]

16. I was asked that for a hospital stay last month.

They said do I have a religious preference. I said "none." Then I clarified, that "none" was my preference, not that I didn't have a preference.

[awoke_in_2003]

17. I will remember to clarify...

should I ever have to go in.

[TeeYiYi]

19. In 1985...

...I was in a serious car accident that required an 11 hour surgery and blood transfusion.

Because I'd been watching my friends die of AIDS for several years, I knew that the blood supply was not safe. When asked about religion, I told the hospital that I was a Jehovah's Witness and that I was not to receive a blood transfusion under any circumstance. That lie probably saved my life.

Following the 11+ hour surgery, the surgeon came out and told my dad that he'd better pray to whichever god he prays to. My dad was so surprised by that comment.

The hospital in question eventually settled out of court in multiple cases of HIV tainted blood transfusions resulting in death from AIDS. The tainted blood transfusions were from 1985.

TYY

[Lisa0825]

21. I was in the hospital overnight back in April, and I told them "none" when

asked about religious affiliation. They still sent a priest to visit me. He was a nice enough guy, and I was polite, but I did not pretend to pray with him.

[onager]

25. Didn't happen when I had the procedure...

But I live in the Los Angeles area. So the medical professionals have probably learned from bitter experience not to ask questions about "religious preference." They might be subjected to a long and enthusiastic rant about the patient's current chosen spiritual hobby. Or asked if they want to take a Free Personality Test...

Incidentally, my colonoscopy went very well. My rectum looked so good, it was offered a job on Fox News.

[awoke_in_2003]

26. That is good to hear..

that all went well, not the job offer . Turns out I just have IBS. For the last 15 or so years I have been dealing with the almost immediate need to go after eating. The last two weeks on the meds have made life much more enjoyable. Why the hell am I so damn stubborn about going to the doctor?

[cynatnite]

30. It's normal for most hospitals. n/t