When a change in your medical situation prompts you to visit your doctor, it helps to get organized before you go in.
I sense that doctors get frustrated with me at times for rattling on when telling my story. They do not have much time for each patient, so I have started writing down my experiences to prepare in advance. I also get printouts of medical tests. Although I do not understand the medical language, I can read the reports and come up with questions to ask the doctor.
I also look up some of the baffling terms on the internet and learn a bit about what they mean. I now have a small notebook, which is where I gather my information. So far, page 1 has basic facts; pages 2-4 are relevant lists of facts; page 5 the current problem; and page 6 doctor’s comments on my problem.
At the back of the notebook, I am recording my daily blood pressure readings. Next week, we look at how a good attitude can help with your appointment.
Museum garage sale
On Saturday, June 18, our local museum will have their annual garage sale. You can drop off items any time. They do not want clothing, large appliances, or baby car seats.
Homeowner’s Grant
I did my homeowner’s grant online but I learned recently that you can do this at Service BC. That is in our provincial government building at the court house. Phone ahead for an appointment (250-787-3350) if you want to wait 15 minutes instead of an hour or two.
Crib tournament
Plan ahead for the last weekend in June when the Baldonnel WI is hosting its first annual crib tournament at the Baldonnel School. It will be Saturday evening, June 25. Registration begins at 6:30 p.m. and games start at 7 p.m. Treats included in entry cost. Children will have a reduced rate.
Learning the lingo
The term this week is ‘text message’, which is like a phone message but in writing instead of spoken. On my phone there is an app called messages. A number appears beside the icon if there is an unread message. I just click on it to read my messages. Because of the reminder number it is hard to miss reading messages, but it is easy to forget to respond.
Quote of the Week
“The only people with whom you should try to get even are those who have helped you.” (John Southard)
Ruby McBeth lives and writes in Fort St. John.
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