I finally reached the computer help person and again explained my digital plight. She reassured me that my 101st password had not expired. All I needed to do was hold down the power button on the PC until it stopped, and then I could reboot the computer, and have another go at SSI. I was not thrilled when I realized that the computer was mounted to the wall under the desk. Still holding the telephone receiver, I got down on my hands and knees and crawled under the desk until I was nose to nose with the power button. I rebooted the computer and swiped my card again, and it still didn’t work.
Luckily for me, the receiver was on a long extension cord and I was able to walk across the hall to another computer. I swiped my card and entered my information, and this time it worked! If I hadn’t mastered SSI, at least I had muddled through this time. Necessity was the mother of invention once more. Eventually I straightened my tie and brushed off the knees of my pants, and I had a few minutes left to go see my patient.
Dr. Greenbaum is a rheumatologist who practices in Greenwood, Ind. E-mail him.