Taking Care of Me

Last week, I went for a physical at my general care doctor.  When I called to set up my appointment, it had been so long since I had been there that they didn’t even have me in their system!

I have been fortunate that I have not been seriously ill or had any major health problems in the past several years.  The few times I have needed medical care (strep throat, pink eye), I just went to the Immediate Care center because they had convenient hours.

I made the appointment for a physical to make sure everything was okay with my health.  I was especially interested to have some blood work to check my blood sugar and cholesterol.  My mom has had problems with high blood sugar, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure.  They were untreated for many years which could have contributed to her dementia.

Since it had been so long (at least eight years), I had to fill out all kinds of paperwork about my medical history and my family medical history.  When I was called back, they had to get my weight (yikes, are those doctor’s scales right?) and basic vitals.  The nurse then handed me a gown.  She told me to dress down to my undergarments and don the gown.  Really???  I thought the “exam” would mainly be getting my blood pressure and maybe testing my reflexes with the little hammer.  Note to self - remember to shave legs and wear decent underwear when getting a physical!

The doctor came in and he started out with simple questions about how I was feeling and some of my family medical history.  The exam wasn’t awkward or invasive.  I think the reason for wearing the gown was so he could easily listen with his stethoscope and feel around my abdominal area.

At the end of the appointment, he said I looked to be in good health.  He told me to keep an eye on my blood pressure.  It was 120 over 85, and he told me to watch the bottom number and to use the blood pressure monitors in the stores to get readings.  He ordered the blood work, and he told me he would call if there are any problems and they would send me the results.

The visit went very well.  He told me that as long as I am not having any health problems, I should come back for a physical every three to four years.  He said I should have blood work done every one to three years.  It was reassuring to know that I didn’t have any obvious problems, and that I would be having a simple test to check for not so obvious ones.