MEDICAL MATTERS

[Stanley]

Foot nurse and bloods tomorrow so I will do a top up soak in Epsom Salts bath. I hope she will be impressed.

[PanBiker]

Received a text from the surgery, time for a BP appointment with the nurse apparently. I will do a few days worth to take with me.

[Stanley]

I saw the foot and blood nurse yesterday as preparation for my bi-annual diabetic assessment next Tuesday. Two surprises, there was no foot inspection despite the letter and the appointment. The nurse told me that it was an annual requirement. The second surprise was that it wasn't Marie my usual nurse, she was on a day off. I had a young Czechoslovakian lady who was delightful and very efficient. I have seen her at the practice before but never had her in charge. My usual present of a cream-filled chocolate éclair went down well! (If someone is going to stick needles in you, it's a good idea to brighten their day!) My veins are bad to locate and access but she hit the spot at the first attempt. All the other measurements, BP, weight and waist size were fine.
I asked her if Brexit was causing her any problems but she said not so far but she really has no idea what will happen. She was reared in Leeds and considers herself a British citizen, I hope she doesn't get any nasty surprises.
One last surprise, I must have made a hit because she gave me a big hug as I was leaving and I told her that was the best medicine of all! A very nice experience.....

[Stanley]

See THIS US report on unexplained deaths thought to be related to vaping. Some products may be more dangerous than expected. If I was a vaper I would be taking notice.

[Stanley]

There is another case in the High Court to decide on a child's life. I find it incredibly sad that we need this procedure.

[Stanley]

We are used to hearing reports of opioid dependency in the US. See THIS BBC report on the misuse of drugs in the UK. It is far more prevalent than was suspected.

[Tizer]

One of the reasons that people are getting addicted to these opioid drugs in the UK (and perhaps in the US too) is that doctors now prescribe them on a standard routine of, say, `Take one 3 times a day, every day', so people are continuously taking a high dose. It would be better to advise patients to only take them when absolutely necessary and to ensure they have periods of time without the drug. In the bad old days doctors used to put p.r.n. (pro re nata) on prescriptions which pharmacists translated as `Take as needed'.

Another infection to avoid...
`New strain of toxin-producing strep A emerges in UK' LINK

[Stanley]

I believe you are right Tiz but the GPs are so hard pressed it's understandable. Yesterday we were discussing the unenviable position of a GP who is forced to refuse to issue a 'Fit to drive' letter to an old patient.
Susan's latest ear infection lingers because the AB didn't work completely. Another missile is being fired at it. Luckily she has no pain.

[Tizer]

I hope the latest missile hits target and does the job.

There's news today of the latest iPhone having a pattern of holes on the case that causes trypophobia. I hadn't heard of this so followed a link to find this 2013 article. It's a fascinating story...
`Deadly animal markings offer clue to fear of holes' LINK
`Trypophobia is the fear of holes - a condition that scientists at the University of Essex believe nearly 20% of people might have. But could the phobia, in which sufferers are put into a cold sweat by aerated chocolate, be explained by a latent fear of deadly animals?...'

[Tripps]

Trypophobia is the fear of holes -

Sounds quite sensible to me - I'm suprised it's only 20%.

Then there's 'trippsophobia'

[PanBiker]

Went to the dentist the other day for my 6 month check up. Need a filling replacing, booked in next week for that.

[Tripps]

Snap. Exactly the same for me. I have to wait till November though. I'm not totally convinced it's necessary, but it's foolish to fall out with your NHS dentist.

[PanBiker]

Biggest problem with our NHS dentist, (we have two practices in Barlick) is getting an appointment. I use the Harrison Street practice, (used to be the school dentists when I was a lad). My check up was due early August but it was earlier this week before I could get in. I think our holiday in North Wales with the grandchildren got in the way when it was originally due. No problems other than the filling which I mentioned to my dentist Eva as I remember losing a bit of it a few weeks ago. So it definitely needs attention although not causing any bother. 8.20am next Thursday for a 30 minute slot of joy.

[Stanley]

I do not have that phobia (or one about David!).
The posts on the dentist remind me of the advantages of pot gobblers.....

[Stanley]

Not over worried about my appointment for assessment in ten days. If how I feel is anything to go by it will be fine. I am feeling really well. (Multivitamins?)
Always look on the bright side!

[Big Kev]

Small boys are normally quite robust but youngest grandson proved that theory wrong today, he jumped off a chair and landed wrong. He's managed to break his left elbow in 4 places and is currently in theatre being wired back together.

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[PanBiker]

I bet that hurt Kev, I hope he's OK.

[Cathy]

Ouch! Poor little mite. I hope all goes well for him.

[Marilyn]

Poor little Munchkin...

[Stanley]

Unlucky! 70 years ago that would have meant a good chance of a crooked arm for life, hopefully today he'll be as good as new in 3 months when it has all settled down. (He'll get better Xmas presents on the sympathy vote!)
Tell him that a well healed broken bone is stronger than the original. No need to be frightened of breaking it again.

[Big Kev]

He's been bolted back together and is 'full of beans' this morning. He wasn't impressed by the anesthesia process, it took 3 of them to wrestle a cannula into the back of his hand.

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Latest report is that he escaped his room this morning and has been for a walk around the rest of the ward, he's going home at lunchtime.

[Marilyn]

Regular Paracetamol....

[Big Kev]

Regular Paracetamol....

He is on the autistic spectrum Maz so is very particular, unless we can disguise paracetamol as a banana there's little chance of him taking any

[Marilyn]

Ah...ok...best of luck then...I do understand. Get inventive and pop it in a frozen banana or a smoothie.
He is quite adorable though - cheeky chappie.
( and in much better shape than I was when I broke my humerus in 4 places. I felt like crap for days!)

[Big Kev]

He is definitely cheeky, he will be 5 this month and will no doubt get 'cheekier'. Starting school a couple of weeks ago will probably contribute to this