Old So What

  Well, he didn’t exactly die.…He retired. I had been going to him and his father before him (now retired and 100 years of age) for 53 years. He had been my doctor since before I was married. His father was my husband’s and his family’s doctor. And was very well thought of as was his son, who just recently (didn’t) die! He was my doctor all through the deaths of my mother-in-law and my husband. Poof, one moment he was my dentist, my rescuer in times of tooth problems, who had become a friend.   Then the next moment he transitioned into someone I could no longer count on, someone who was…gone. Someone who had sold (out) his practice and his loyal, loving patients for money. Not that he didn’t have every right to do so BUT he could have checked out the new guy for us first, and introduced us.   We deserved that at least.

Unlike some people my age (in my 70’s), I do not like  going to the doctor.  I can think of better ways to socialize.

Let's face it, at some point we will all be faced with a doctor's appointment that will change our lives. This can be scary and completely overwhelming, but this tip can and will make things easier. Choose a close friend or family member to go to the doctor's office with you and be in the room when you hear the news. This "second set of ears" matters! While you are focused on the questions, "will I be okay," and "what do I do now," the other person can focus on what the doctor or nurse is saying. They can even take notes! While explaining the next steps in the course of action, most medical professionals will use examples of how others patients adapted to their new way of life, and those examples are important too and will not appear in the visit summary. "What did they say could help?" "What foods should I avoid specifically?" The other person can help you fill in the blanks of any parts you missed. Together you will have a...