>Five days ago it took me 16 hours to diagnose my appendicitis. Despite my
wife telling me not to be so wet I managed, eventually, to convince her
that I was not being neurotic. On reciting the story to the
GP/Nurse/Houseman/Registrar/Consultant (bleeped while on the 17th tee
apparently)/partners/friends, they all seemed to think it was a classic
history - which it was.
>
>Has anybody else taken such a long time to seek a proper doctor for
something that turns out to be serious or am I really that thick (please
don't reply to this Hotch)?
>
>Douglas Soutter.
>
>Looking forward to two weeks to learn more about his computer.
>
Well, now.....
Case 1:
I developed a prolapsed disc (L5-S1) about 12 years ago, which settled with
conservative Rx, but left me with a bit of L parasthesia and bouts of LBP &
stiffness from time to time. 3 years ago I drove back from Italy with a
minimum of rest periods, developed back and leg pains the day after (no big
deal), rested up for a bit, it got a bit better, & I went back to work. I
got a bit concerned however, when I developed a weak L foot after about a
fortnight, and eventually decided I ought to see the local Orthopod (on a
Friday pm), who seemed a tad more alarmed than me, and said he'd arrange an
MRI. Phone call later that evening, could I attend for this at 8am next
Monday? OK, so off I go on Monday morning. Phone call an hour or so later,
er.. I needed surgery and could I arrange to get myself to the hospital.
Fine, says I, tomorrow be OK? Well, no, like you need to come in right now -
diagnosis whopping great central disc prolapse L4-L5 virtually obliterating
the spinal canal! End result emergency discectomy late Monday night,
everyone saying what a lucky chap I was etc etc, and me left pondering on
the vagaries of fate!
Case 2:
After the birth of our first child, my good lady started to lose weight, and
became more and more irritable. Clever and caring doctor that I was, after
due consideration, diagnosed acopia (first baby, all those sleepless nights
etc) and with hindsight was perhaps a tad low on sympathy. This went on for
a bit, things got increasingly fraught, resolved eventually by the
mother-in-law's priceless comment to my wife one day - "D'you know, you
remind me of your Aunt Edna, she ended up just like you, and they found
she'd got thyroid trouble. Perhaps you should ask your doctor for a blood
test!!!!!!!!!"
Ouch!
C-P
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Dr Adrian Canale-Parola
"If you want a doctor I'll examine
Every inch of you....."
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