Or "Well doc, does it look bad."
Since moving up to Leeds I haven't register with,
- a new dentist, and
- a new doctor.
And not particulalry in that order.
I have to register with the doc. I have a holiday in VIENNA coming up soon. I'm covered on my new bank accout for travel insurance. If I'm to use this benefit I assume Ill be asked my current doctors details. It would be nice to give him details for a doctor in this city. Hell, it's be nice to give him doctors details for a doctor in this county.
Anyway, I've always assumed it isn't too difficult to register with a doctor. I have only ever done it once. And with being a baby I dont remember much of the process. But I've always assumed it wasn't a difficult thing to do. I've always though doctors cannot say "no," that no matter who I was they would have to treat me.
With that in mind I went off and booked an appoint. For just the other day.
When I first entered the reception,....
ID JUST LIKE TO ADD, IF ANYONE IS READING THIS IN THE MORNING THEN I SUGGEST SKIPPING THE NEXT PARAGRAPH, OR COMING BACK AFTER DINNER.
So when I first entered the reception to the docotrs I was given a form, and a tube.
Of course I was uttered that phrase, "Can you pee in to this cup?"
I'd of like to of returned with "The question isn't 'Could I?' I could. But more of 'Would I?'"
Instead I wondered 'When did I last pee?' 'She couldnt of meant me to do it straight away. Here. In reception.' 'Stop standing around in reception and MOVE IT.'
So I headed in to the waiting room. No not to pee. To fill in the form. When the toilet was free I sneaked in. Trying to look inconspicuous. Inconspicuous to the one other person in the room mind you. Along with my tube.
I've never had to try to pee in a cup before. I've never been asked too. And never though about doing it.
SO I checked out my target. It looked small. To small. I assumed there was going to be spillage.
Yada yada yada.
There wasn't any spillage. I was very careful.
But I got to thinking. How on Earth do girls manage that? Are they given a bowl? A funnel? Or do they have better aim?
Anyway. I went to see the nurse for my check up. Doing a few tests, pricking my finger, checking out "my sample," my height and weight. (Im 6'1" and 75.3 kg. Well I think it's kg? But if not, its 75.3 of whatever measurement.)
Then the nurse goes to take my blood pressure. Then takes it again. Asks if I know if I've had my vaccinations? And asks me to come back in a month to check my blood pressure again.
Now I'm not worried. I fell absolutely fine. I mean I'm not excersing as much as I would like. But only last year I walked across Britain.
But what could it mean having unsure blood pressure. And I dont even know if it's too high or too low. I really should ask more questions. I will do next time.
Then there is the dentist.
As reported, the other week during Fruitstock I chipped my tooth. I figured finding a dentist will be Hell.
So i tried the NHS website. They have a nice feature which informs you if a dentist is accpeting new NHS patients.
They all said no.
All of them.
There was a number to call the NHS and ask for guidance on the nearest dentist. I called and they said there is none. "We can put you on a list."
"Yeah sure. I dont mind waiting. Put me on."
"ok, let me take some details."
Yada yada yada
"ok, your on the list."
"Fine. Before you go, can I ask how long is the list?" (Id like to add that this happened after Fruitstock, so that was only earlier this month)
"Well, we are currently finding placements for people who got added to the list in April. But we're working fast through them now?"
Your working fast? What has everyone who needed dental treatment sincer April passed away?
Anyways, I decided to call the top dentist. Get an idea of how much private dental care costs? If it was too much, I could always make an appointment back in Runcorn, and travel over there one day.
So I'm on the phone with the dentist, "I know you arent taking on any NHS patients. But can you just answer one question?"
"We are."
"What?"
"We are."
"You are what?"
"Taking on NHS patients. When would you like to come in?"
Blimey, "Thats ace. Next week."
"Thats fine. See you then."
Well that was fast!
Just got back from seeing him, and best thing about it, he's a really nice guy. And good dentist. He could easily identify where I chipped my tooth. No that its hard to see, even I could see it looking in a mirror.
