You have to start on page 1. It continues on page 2. I found it particularly funny since I just had a colonoscopy, but all can appreciate! She's new to the site, but stepped in with some great humor.
I had completely forgotten about Dave Barry and his columns until Miss B. posted that essay. Yes, it is fine to copy it - it's a Dave Barry column, and all of his stuff is copywrighted (sp? - yes, I know, we do need spell check).
Doctors generally don't want to deal with hysterical patients (who can blame them?), so it's much easier to knock them out with drugs, do their procedures, and wake them up when it's over. Sounds good to me.