Unremarkable Me
by Paula Gail Benson
This week, I received a report from a sinus CT. It contained the line: “The skull is unremarkable.”
I had to think about that, rather like Hamlet contemplating Yorick’s skull in the graveyard scene in Shakespeare’s play.
Sir Laurence Olivier playing Hamlet
phrases.org.uk
To put in context, in Hamlet, Act V, Scene 1, Hamlet and Horatio come upon two gravediggers unearthing bones. When Hamlet learns a particular skull belonged to his father’s jester, Yorick [the famous quote: “Alas, poor Yorick! I knew him, Horatio”], Hamlet asks the skull, “Where be your gibes now? Your gambols? your songs? your flashes of merriment, that were wont to set the table on a roar?”
So, I sat, wondering if the words in the report were good or bad.
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines “unremarkable” as “unworthy or unlikely to be noticed.” Synonyms would be common, ordinary, average, typical, or routine. Something encountered in the normal course of events.
Unfortunately, the “un” or “not” context makes the word unremarkable seem unfavorable. There’s nothing wrong with being average or typical, but when you see yourself described on paper, you want to be considered distinguished, unique, and definitely remarkable or at the least memorable.
I researched further and found a guide to Radiology in Plain English, which indicated that “unremarkable” could be found in all types of radiology reports and was a “good thing” meaning “no structural abnormality.” This guide emphasized the words in radiology reports indicated what the radiologists saw. In fact, it pointed out that sometimes “grossly unremarkable” appeared and meant while nothing obvious was seen, the test might be limited for assessing the organ or structure.
So, I decided to be content with my unremarkable skull, maybe even use that as the title for a short story. Except, if I have a character addressing my skull, I plan to have him talking to a CT photo and not the actual cranium.
What do you think? Is “The Unremarkable Skull” a story you might read?
PS—all is going well for me on the sinus front. My doctor will soon do another CT, in which I hope my skull remains unremarkable.
I’ve had breast cancer twice. I’m very happy to say my last scan showed that my remaining breast was unremarkable. Worth celebrating our “unremarkable” body parts 🙂 because we know that WE are remarkable! Yes, I’d read a story like that. Wish I’d thought of it!
Judy, that is great news of unremarkableness! Yes, let’s celebrate our remarkable unremarkable body parts!
Here’s to you and your unremarkable skull. Yes, I’d read that story! 🙂
Thank you, Saralyn. Now, I need to get to work on that story!
An unremarkable skull is a good thing, but what of your sinuses? As someone who had sinus surgery decades ago after suffering from constant, severe sinus headaches, that’s what I’d be more interested in learning. And why didn’t the doctor prescribe an MRI of the sinus cavities?
Lois, now you’ve given me another question for my doctor. I’m just so grateful this avenue is being explored. For so long I heard, “it’s just allergies.” Now, I know more is involved.
You are far from unremarkable, but glad your skull is …. Though the little grey matter it protects is obviously working. I would read the story.
Thank you, Debra. I’m going to do my best to keep the grey matter working!
Yes, I’d read the story. As for unremarkable, it’s a relief to have a medical come back that way.Also, if the test comes back negative, it’s usually a positive sign too.
Thank you, Gay. You are absolutely right. Negative is a good word in a lab report!
I so appreciate/love that you have an unremarkable skull, Paula, and only a writer of your caliber would decipher the radiologist’s report to such magnitude 🙂 I do agree he could have chosen his words a BIT more carefully. But have you ever read a police report (z-z-z-z-z). I will say when I had an brain MRI after a head injury, the neurologist called me in and asked if I would like to have a look see? I said of course, and his words were, “You have a beautiful brain.” As my mother passed away with dementia, I treasure that comment. I also close with I find you most remarkable 🙂 Great blog!
How kind. Thank you, Donnell. Thank you also for sharing your doctor’s comment. It truly is one to treasure.