from the atlantic

The anesthesiologist is Ian Russell. The woman, whom I will call Jenny, answers
Russells questions in bright monosyllables and rolls onto her side and bends her
knees obligingly to her stomach, as instructed, for the trainee anesthesiologist to
insert first the injection of local anesthetic to the skin and then the epidural
cannula through which the nerve-blocking drug will be pumped to switch off
sensation in her lower torso. The doctors give directions and make small, cheerful
jokes. [This will be a] little bit ticklish, says Russell, as the needle is about
to enter, and then when Jenny appears not to notice, Not ticklish. Youre no fun!