Today I went to see the nurse. She had look at my toe and decided that I have to go back on Friday so she can dress it again. No wonder the NHS costs so much to run. It’s a toe. It needs a plaster. It doesn’t need a whole appointment.
I hope that appointment runs better than it did today. I was there five minutes before my 8.45 appointment and had to wait until 9.10 to be seen. As far as I could tell the nurse had no patient in, she was just doing some admin. As a result, I ran late, was caught in traffic and ended up being late for work. It was only two minutes late, but I hate being late, full stop. I particularly hate being late because someone else has delayed me.
Wednesday should have been my day off but I agreed to go in because a number of things cropped up yesterday. It just goes to show that no good deed goes unpunished. You try to do a good thing and karma creeps up behind you with a sandbag.
We had an interesting conversation about health. I will paraphrase but give a general idea.
The nurse asked if I had thought of going onto statins then said:”Oh, you’re already on them.”
“Are you sure? Nobody has told me that I am.”
“You must be. Your cholesterol is only 3.7.”
In broad terms 3.7 is considered good, though it doesn’t do to get too smug about this stuff. After years in the poultry industry, and watching research and marketing collide, I know that cholesterol changes from good to bad on a regular basis.
“I don’t think I am.”
Clatter of keyboard
“Oh, you’re not, but you should think about taking them.”
“If my cholesterol is so low you think I’m already on them, why do I need to take them?”
“Er . . . well, your triglycerides are a little high and recent research shows that you’re more at risk of a stroke and heart attack.”
There is always some new research. I am actually at risk of a stroke and heart attack because I’m far too heavy and because I don’t exercise. I don’t need “recent research” to point that out.
Nor do I need more tablets. I currently take seven sorts of tablet. Two of them are to counter the effects of the other five. The last thing I need is more tablets.
This is probably a good place to leave it. I am going to give serious thought to lifestyle changes and new strategies for avoiding contact with this particular nurse.
My heart goes out to you. Bullying is both hurtful and stressful. Unfortunately, the field of nursing is the top field for workplace bullying. And yes, even patients get bullied by them too. Many nurses are good people but there are a few bad apples. I’ve personally seen nurses who bully and they’re the worst. I hope that you get a better nurse and never have to deal with this one again.
I’m sure she thinks it’s for my own good, and she was good to me when my leg was bad, so we are getting on better now.
I like the idea that you must be on statins because your cholesterol is low. Are there no healthy people about at all? I gave up the statins and my cholesterol has gone down. A slightly more healthy diet has probably helped.
I’m not sure how it happens – part genetics and, possibly, part diet. It has actually gone down over the last few years despite my declining ability to exercise. It’s payback for my genetic tendency to arthritis. 🙂
That is a nice thought.
It is always distressing to read about this sort of thing happening.
It could be worse, I suppose. 🙂 There are people who would love this much medical attention.
I know I should go in more often, but with only 15 minute appointments, I have to pick and choose the topic of discussion…and then sometimes get referred to added payment and not a long term solution. Sigh…so I skip and avoid and actually am much happier.
Yes, I agree. They actually rang me up and I couldn’t really get out of this one. I always end up with more faults than I went in with. 🙂
They know best, you know
So they tell me.:-)
Hope you get a better nurse next time!
I think they only have one doing that job. 🙁