I am so fortunate with my doctor. He's very young but honestly? He's one of those who listens intently and researches methodologies and protocols with me.
I saw him yesterday and I never feel rushed or elderly or stupid with him. So I lay it all out. He is supportive and attentive and so very present. A rare gift.
So pain. There's a topical solution, he prescribed it. We were adverse to putting me on more pills as I am on a cartload now. Also (I didn't know) he can arrange for me to get free physiotherapy through Eastern Health, he said it will help tremendously. He also referred me to a counselling clinic that will give me a certificate for an ESA (emotional support animal). He also said my higher blood pressure readings have to be placed beside my age and I was doing quite well for my age. If I were 50 it would be a concern but at 76 and anticipated life expectancy, my BP, though elevated, wasn't dangerous. It's all perspective. And I am a type A after all.
I left his clinic feeling validated and listened to and respected. It has been decades since I've had a family doctor so in tune with my overall health and well-being with (it seems) all the time in the world. As I was leaving I said to his receptionist, "he's just wonderful isn't he?" and she responded, "we all think so."
So I finished two knitting projects:
First one is a cowl, it took me forever, 400 stitches on the needle. I carted it around with me. Amazing how strangers want to come and stroke the work I love that. It has a medieval look to it and I've worn it non-stop since completion.
The second one is a gift. A shawl which I found very challenging to photograph as it ranges from jet black to pale grey. But you get the idea.
I was asked to go on another board of directors and and after careful consideration I agreed. It is writing related and I feel it would be quite stimulating using my skill sets.
And yes, for all these blessings above I am truly grateful.
It is wise to have a good doctor younger than yourself.
ReplyDeleteIf physio works, great, but at your age you can take addictive pain killing drugs.
ESA sounds great. Go for it, as long as there is someone to care for the pet if it outlives you.
I always try to and generally succeed in making my younger doctor laugh. While at times it is self deprecating as many do, not always. Describing what a surgeon said when she thought I was out to it amused him, let alone telling him about the ever so young dizzy queen specialist who is an expert in movement disorders and treats the disorder with Botox. He must be nearly 50 now, but still quite hot.
Sounds like a wonderful doctor. Therapy dog road has begun.
ReplyDeleteGood for you . At the first sign of being on the board and it affecting your life , make sure to tell them.
So much work in your yarn pieces. I hope his receptionist passed on your glowing remarks to him.
I'm sure she did but I'm going to drop him a card anyway, I feel so very fortunate in him.
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The young doctor sounds great, I envy you! These days, with doctor shortages, one doesn't dare leave a doctor simply because of lousy bedside manner, so having one in tune with one's own outlook is precious indeed.
ReplyDeleteIt truly is Annie, now my nephrologist is another story indeed but I only have to see him every 6 months.
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HAPPY for you and love the shawl
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Thank you Ernestine, so happy for you and your brand new GGson.
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Great. I'm happy for you.
ReplyDeleteThank you Uglemor.
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It's really nice to have such an attentive doctor and not feel rushed or ridiculed. I love your doctor. Your yarn projects are quite impressive.
ReplyDeleteThank you Gigi, I've dealt with good and not so good over the years and I am therefore so much more appreciative of great ones.
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Finding a doctor who listens (and responds) is a HUGE blessing. It does look like a dog is going to be part of your future very soon - which is another blessing.
ReplyDeleteAnd I love (and am awed by) your work.
Thank you EC, I am enjoying the creative part of my life so much these days.
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Might your ESA be something other than a dog? I kind of fancy a parrot!
ReplyDeleteI've had birds in the past but naaaah. Other people's felines are wonderful but I'm basically a dog person.
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At the clinic I go to most of the newer young doctors are Indian and they are always polite and thorough. I always walk out understanding what has been said to me.
ReplyDeleteWhat a huge relief that is for you River. As it is for me, having the full attention and medical expertise at our beck and call is truly a great gift.
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A doctor like that is priceless. You will recollect my writing about the GP that I am blessed with. He is the exact copy of the doctor that you saw and I am blessed to have him on my side too.
ReplyDeleteIt is Ramana and how lovely we don't take them for granted. I hate being rushed as I'm sure you do when I'm there it's like he has all day for me if I need it.
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It's wonderful to find a doctor who as you say listens carefully, makes useful suggestions and makes you feel you're getting proper attention. The three doctors at my GP practice are all excellent, but then again my medical problems are all so minor that doesn't take very much.
ReplyDeleteAh you're the doctor's dream there Nick and I so wish I was. I used to be. The good old days.
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Thank you for the sight of your superb and stylish cowl and the black/white shawl, WWW - both beautiful! 400 stitches would have me out-for-the-count somewhere around the third row.
ReplyDeleteYour doctor ought to be cloned - the world needs more of his type. I've been mixed up with more medics in the past two years than in the whole of the past 80 years! The specialists, and our GP, have all been very easy to get along with - a couple of stand-outs would earn 11/10 on all counts. GP needed time to get to know him, he's always busy, busy, busy - but if there's a problem obviously bothering me he will always make time to talk about it.
That is so great T, a good doc is so hard to find. And the ones I've had in the past stand out by their rarity. The ones that were dismissive hurt me the most by delaying much needed medical intervention when it was desperately needed and making me feel my pain was all in my head. Awful, awful.
DeleteI'm glad you've got some excellent medical attention also.
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I'm glad you've found a doctor who listens. That makes a world of difference.
ReplyDeleteBoth the knitting projects are lovely.