When I was at the Emergency Room last night for the burnt hand, I had explained the cause a couple times; to a couple paramedics, to the trauma nurses, to intake, and then to a resident and finally to the supervising doctor. I had no idea that burns on the hand were that big of a concern; I figured they’d maybe give me a couple pain killers and wrap it and send me home. I didn’t expect serious concern from the doctors, let alone a resident getting a sign off.

My soon-practiced explanation went like this;

• Basically, stupidity is to blame
• Took a pot out of the oven and set it on the stove using gloves
• Turned away to the sink, putting the gloves to the side
• 30 seconds later, I turned back to the stove
• Forgetting everything, I grabbed the handle of the pot
• That’s when the screaming started

Resident Doctor Erin was running down the list of symptoms, presenting to Staff Doctor Cape Bretoner, then I listed the how it happened. That’s when Dr. Erin said “… we refer to this as Goldfish Syndrome.”

I, being sleep deprived, and basically feeling fine, replied “Oooh! A castle!” a couple times.

It’s nearly 24 hours in, and I’ve been off the ice packs for about 6 hours. Thankfully I had plenty of Giant Freezies in the freezer; it’s easier to get a bit of sleep now that I’m not clutching a bar of ice.