This morning I am off to see The Good Doctor; it is time for my annual checkup. I don’t anticipate any surprises.
My physician is in a partnership with another doctor, both fine fellows and each well over four feet. I see The Good Doctor often, probably more than I need to, but I try to ‘lead by example’ with my own patients. The Good Doctor and his colleague often refer me patients, so he is invested in keeping me healthy. If I crack up or drop dead then they are stuck dealing with their patient’s neurosis.
TGD will be cross I haven’t had my colonoscopy, which is scheduled for the end of February. I find out my PSA and testosterone levels. I am curious about the later, for I am not feeling as perky as I used to feel.
Knowing what it means to be a pesky patient, I try not to give my physician any trouble. I arrive on time; I pay my co-pay. I am friendly and thankful to the staff. I make a point to show appreciation to the receptionist (hey, I know who runs these places!). I also try to be a patient, not a doctor. Being their consultant causes some role confusion at times. For example, when I call the office Meg the receptionist asks “Who are you today, doctor or patient?” If I say I am calling as Dr. Urspo she gets The Good Doctor on the phone right away; if I say I am merely Spo the patient calling with a question she laughs and puts me on hold.
Rumor has it the other doctor in at the office sometimes throws parties to which he invites some of his patients. I find this fascinating. Shrinks have a near ‘zero tolerance’ level for socializing with their patients – it still gives me the willies to even shake hands – so the concept of partying with patients is a wild idea indeed.
The Good Doctor does not even inquire into my home life let alone invite me over, but then I have always been on the “B” list. Sometimes when the appointments are basically a ‘I am here to check on lab results and they are all fine” we may talk about sewing. He makes little dresses for wine bottles. What a great doctor, no?
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January 22, 2013 at 6:33 AM
anne marie in philly
as I sit here in my office on a cold (18F) day with a mug of spo cocoa, I applaud you for being a model patient.
TGD makes “little dresses for wine bottles”? an interesting hobby indeed! may he discover that you are a healthy person that can go another 50 years! smooches!
January 22, 2013 at 7:08 AM
Laurent
I always wonder what it is like for one doctor to go to another doctor. A bit like one barber going to the other barber. Are you looking out for mistakes or the wrong path to follow. I can understand why any Shrink would not want to socialize with patients. It would be fascinating to find out what do shrinks think of their patients, after all we are all human and some people no matter how understanding we want to be, simply put us off.
Well have a good physical and am sure you will be declared strong as an Ox. BTW its -32C today in Ottawa.
January 22, 2013 at 7:52 AM
Urspo
It is 25C today but you told me not to complain
Sent from nowhere in particular.
January 22, 2013 at 7:10 AM
Ron
Your doctor “makes little dresses for wine bottles?” I understand completely! We all need a comfortable, safe diversion from the constant challenges and assaults and disappointments that confront us each day. I understand! I agree with you on the socializing with your doctor, I like my doctor’s but I don’t want to “cross that line.” My dentist and general family civilian (as opposed to my VA doctor) are both gay but I don’t want to go there. Keep it on a professional level. Years ago I had a gay dentist constantly trying to put the make on me while I was in his dentist chair. Very uncomfortable plus he wasn’t a very good dentist. Don’t want to go there. Get that colonoscopy! That’s one I don’t pass up. Too many (two exact) of my male Tipton relatives passed on that procedure and thus died young from colon cancer. Good luck!
January 22, 2013 at 8:41 AM
Jay
I haven’t seen my regular doctor for ages.. I see the “specialists” to which he has referred me. I am afraid he has forgotten me. Of course I am not really ill. Except for the weight and the diabetes and I try to keep that under control. I do miss him as he is a great guy. Perhaps I need to come down with something… Hmmmm
January 22, 2013 at 8:59 AM
jefferyrn
Not sure why you are concerned with testosterone levels. I have seen the commercials on TV for drugs to correct that problem. I suspect my levels have never been what you might call normal or other hormones are over shadowing there effect. Dresses for wine indeed!
January 22, 2013 at 10:14 AM
Urspo
Testosterone is a fascinating topic, and it’s worth a blog entry. It turns out mine is ‘low normal’ but it is ‘total’ not ‘free’ tesosterone. and I need to look up if it is “WNL” for a 50yo man – however it is ~ same as when I was 40, which means despite a decade it hasn’t gone done – rather remarkable. So it is a complex matter. But at least it ain’t ‘low’ , which is why I wanted it tested.
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January 22, 2013 at 9:50 AM
wfregosi
Vinicouture — who would have thought? I wonder how they get the bottles down the runway and back. At least one will be able to look at the dresses without having drugged-looking, hostile faces glaring at the audience while walking the catwalk.
January 22, 2013 at 2:22 PM
Rick
I’ve had the same doctor for almost 25 years here in the big city. Usually. I go once a year but I have gone as many as five times in a year. It all depends on the sinuses and lower back. Yet, I doubt if she would know or acknowledge me in public. I far cry from when I was a child when the family doctor and dentist lived within a stones throw.
I hope all goes well for you and that TGD has small fingers which I prefer.
January 23, 2013 at 1:44 PM
Nik_TheGreek
My last checkup was when I joined my new company, a year and a half ago (because they made me). Unfortunately, I won’t go to the doctor’s unless I’m not feeling well. I should go though. At least check on my cholesterol… Thanks for the reminder.
PS. It’s always very good to personally know a doctor.
January 24, 2013 at 11:33 PM
Erik Rubright
Don’t most people use wine to take *off* dresses?