Category Archives: health & happiness

today’s check list

08 Tuesday Nov 2022

Posted by in health & happiness

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check list

After my last frustrating encounter with a GP when I had Covid, I wasn’t looking forward to today’s in-person appointment. At least this time it was with a doctor I’d seen before, and who is actually supposed to be my regular GP now that Dr Agustín has retired, but I guess with staff shortages, etc, sometimes you just get stuck with whoever is on duty. AND SO… I showed up with my check list of, well, things I wanted to have checked, now that my oncologist doesn’t want to see me again. And so I sat down, pulled out my list and said to Dr Silvia (it’s actually nice to have a woman doctor again) that I was there for my “revisión de coche” and when she laughed I immediately relaxed. Then she said – okay, let’s go, what’s first? – and we went through my list point by point, while she checked recent test results on the computer and made notes. In the end I got all the tests I asked for other than the Covid antibody one since public health centres are not offering them, so I will have to pay for that at a private clinic. But I will get a specific test done for my thyroid, which probably should have been done years ago, plus a couple of others, and I will also be put on a “prevention list” for regular mammograms.

So on Thursday (waaaaayyy too early in the morning) I’m going for more blood tests and an ECG, and will check back with Dr Silvia when the results come in. I know it’s early days as I’ve only seen her twice, but I think I’ve lucked out with a GP who actually listens to me and also gives good advice. And this was after a heavy morning for her and with appointments backed up, yet she didn’t appear rushed or make me feel like I was being rushed. More news as I get it…

doctor’s note

13 Thursday Oct 2022

Posted by in coronavirus, covid, health & happiness, home, sevilla

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doctors note

Since Covid almost all of my medical appointments have been done online or by phone, with the exception of physical tests of course. It’s easier in some ways, frustrating in others. For example today was not just frustrating but maddening. By chance I had a pre-arranged appointment with my GP this morning and so, rather than cancel it, Peter went and took along a doctor’s note. The note stated that I had just tested positive for Covid (it also included a photo of the test) and that I wanted to get a prescription for Paxlovid. I also asked about the upcoming jabs and when I should book them. So when he called me and said “what is it you want?” I already knew this guy was an asshole.

I asked if he’d read the note, then asked him to read it, and then asked about the prescription. He said I didn’t need Paxlovid, muttering something about not doing prescriptions for that, and said he’d write one for Paracetamol mixed with something else. Clearly he had not read my history and knew absolutely nothing about me. Then he said that I should just rest at home and not worry because it was JUST LIKE A BAD COLD. I mean, seriously WTF? An actual doctor is going around telling patients Covid is just like a cold??? We are doomed.

Meanwhile resting doesn’t really seem to be an option as I can barely stay out of bed. Yesterday I went to lie down at 3 pm and didn’t get up again until 11 this morning. Now I’m annoyed with myself that I didn’t press the stupid doctor harder and make him look up my history, etc, but I felt so deflated by his tone and assholyness, and I was still so tired, that I just gave up. Anyhow, back to bed.

ct overload?

14 Wednesday Sep 2022

Posted by in cancer, health & happiness, hospitals, sevilla

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onc sept 2022

I finally had my oncology revision re: the (extremely unpleasant) CT scan I had in June. Things have changed since I last had a physical appointment at the hospital – the last 2-3 have been by phone. So when I got there today I saw that the oncology waiting room is now in the hospital lobby. With their new system you enter your ID number into one of those machines back there and out pops your appointment number. Then you grab a seat and wait for your number to appear on the screen. It’s a bit of a hike to oncology from the front of the hospital, but oh well. Then I found out the consulting rooms are no longer in the old oncology department but along the hallway leading to it. Whatevs. I came prepared with a print out of my last CT scan translated into English and with my questions ready.

What can I say? I am sure there must be some kind and empathetic oncologists out there but in my (now vasty) experience, I can say I have only met one, and she was a friend of a friend so perhaps that’s why she was nice to me. Anyhow, this guy today was both abrupt and dismissive but I held my ground and said “I have a few questions!” after he told me everything was fine and there was nothing to worry about. Honestly, if looks could kill.

He did tell me one thing that took me aback (though I should have known or at least guessed). Apparently since 2008, between PETs and CTs, I have had about 24 scans (!!) and he said at that rate I could have serious problems in 20 years after so much radiation. Well, there’s no way I’m going to see 85 anyhow, but I took his point and asked… “so now what?” and we agreed to another colonoscopy in February (last one was Feb 2020). And THEN if there is anything dodgy he may rethink the CT scan. So now I’m waiting for the colonoscopy appointment and more blood tests.

As for The PAIN I’ve been having since mid-August… Mr Empathy gave my belly a few pokes and prods, told me to lose weight and said I should get back in touch if it gets worse.