Mark42
Fleet Admiral
- Joined
- Oct 8, 2003
- Messages
- 9,334
Went for a follow up visit with my family doctor. We have been working on lowering blood pressure and bad cholesterol by diet and weight loss. My doc is a class act. After a blood work result early last year showed poor/marginally OK cholesterol counts, and blood pressure that has been rising to the high side of "normal", he wanted to use the time tested and proven prescriptions to keep things in check. I told him how I felt about taking medicine when there are alternatives and he agreed. He printed off a diet outline, nothing specific in what to eat each meal, more of an over all plan.
Anyway, its been working just as planned. Loosing 20 lbs has caused blood pressure to drop back to the "new" normal (lower numbers than were published in the past) and the cholesterol numbers are much improved too.
But there was a snag in the visit. Doc had taken a leave of absence for 6 months, and this was the first time I've seen him since his absence (another doc filled in for him). When he walked into the examining room, my heart sank. His hair was missing, he was thin and pale. I could tell he was wearing foundation makeup with a splash of color in his cheeks. He was upbeat, and appeared a little too "chatty" as if to prevent me from asking any questions. So I didn't, but I really feel badly that this great doctor is ill himself and he is only about 45 years old.
He brought up that I should have my colon checked as I am now past 50. He was very anxious to get me in to have it checked and talked about the need for regular check ups in this area. I noticed he started shaking a little and his eyes welled up a bit when talking about it and the side affects of surgery if it was needed (I think in an attempt to get me to have it done soon). His behavior led me to believe that he has colon cancer himself, but I am just guessing.
So I checked out fine, he was happy with my progress and results. I told him my success was because of him and his belief that I could do this. We shook hands and I wished him well and will see him again in 3 months for a quick "weigh in" and blood pressure check just for the records.
Doc is a regular guy, wears flannel shirts and jeans in the office. He drives a pickup truck. He sends his kids to the local high school, and I got to know him well from meeting at various social events over the years. He is a very laid back guy that is good at listening. Always shows up at the school dances as a chaperon, and we stand around chatting about what ever is on our minds. My oldest son was surprised when I told him about Doc's appearance, as he still socializes with the Doc's son and they often go out together even though they graduated High School 3 years ago. My boy said Doc's son did not mention anything about his dad being sick.
If you remember this evening when thanking the Lord for another day, I would appreciate it if you were to put in a good word for the Doc. He truly deserves it.
Thanks!
Mark
Anyway, its been working just as planned. Loosing 20 lbs has caused blood pressure to drop back to the "new" normal (lower numbers than were published in the past) and the cholesterol numbers are much improved too.
But there was a snag in the visit. Doc had taken a leave of absence for 6 months, and this was the first time I've seen him since his absence (another doc filled in for him). When he walked into the examining room, my heart sank. His hair was missing, he was thin and pale. I could tell he was wearing foundation makeup with a splash of color in his cheeks. He was upbeat, and appeared a little too "chatty" as if to prevent me from asking any questions. So I didn't, but I really feel badly that this great doctor is ill himself and he is only about 45 years old.
He brought up that I should have my colon checked as I am now past 50. He was very anxious to get me in to have it checked and talked about the need for regular check ups in this area. I noticed he started shaking a little and his eyes welled up a bit when talking about it and the side affects of surgery if it was needed (I think in an attempt to get me to have it done soon). His behavior led me to believe that he has colon cancer himself, but I am just guessing.
So I checked out fine, he was happy with my progress and results. I told him my success was because of him and his belief that I could do this. We shook hands and I wished him well and will see him again in 3 months for a quick "weigh in" and blood pressure check just for the records.
Doc is a regular guy, wears flannel shirts and jeans in the office. He drives a pickup truck. He sends his kids to the local high school, and I got to know him well from meeting at various social events over the years. He is a very laid back guy that is good at listening. Always shows up at the school dances as a chaperon, and we stand around chatting about what ever is on our minds. My oldest son was surprised when I told him about Doc's appearance, as he still socializes with the Doc's son and they often go out together even though they graduated High School 3 years ago. My boy said Doc's son did not mention anything about his dad being sick.
If you remember this evening when thanking the Lord for another day, I would appreciate it if you were to put in a good word for the Doc. He truly deserves it.
Thanks!
Mark
