Testing times

I am convinced that when I was at the doctor last week he looked again at my test results and said that while my folic acid level was acceptable it was in the low percentage of acceptable.  He asked if I’d agree to a course of folic acid and vitamin D, which I did. So I was surprised when I collected the prescription to receive a course of oral suspension antibiotic for fungal infection.  I was even more surprised at the disgusting taste of the medication, which 4 times a day I have to swill around my mouth before swallowing.  It’s shockingly sweet with a chemically fake almond flavour, yuk.  I have almost finished the course and it’s made no difference at all.

Meantime on Tuesday evening I received a call from the surgery asking me to provide another urine sample and make a face to face appointment in 4 weeks time with the first doctor I saw.   I explained that I would probably be away and asked if the results could be delivered by phone.  Apparently not which was worrying, they said they’d get back to me. 

Next morning I delivered said sample in a small jar inside a not transparent plastic bag.  The receptionist seemed a bit surprised to the point she seemed to move away when I presented the sample. She went off to prepare the necessary paperwork and returned with a little tube like I was given the first time. She said if you can get that back to us as soon as possible and seemed impressed when I offered to go to the toilet and decant the contents of my jar into the tube, simple, job done immediately. 

I asked why they needed another sample, apparently the first one didn’t reach the lab, aka it got lost. It definitely reached the box of samples at reception because I saw it go in.  I have no idea why the missing urine test wasn’t spotted at my last appointment and how it came to light a few weeks later.  I also asked about my next appointment, which I can have in 2 weeks time and can be by phone if necessary.  

It’s all been a bit shambolic and that early evening phone call could have been handled better, particularly as we had friends staying so I was busy preparing dinner whilst stressing about the need for another test.  It’s 6 weeks since I raised my concerns about my sore tongue.  I’ve had 2 blood tests, stool sample test, chest x ray, a lost urine test and another urine test plus a course of antibiotics, nothing has changed my tongue is still sore and cracked.  I am wondering if things will improve once I get my implant tooth, the dental treatment is finished and we can think about going to Italy. 

On a happier note we enjoyed time with our friends, were able to show them the beauty of the Yorkshire Dales and of course our lovely town looking extremely springlike.

Counting down

My dentist has now taken impressions and my implant tooth is being made.  I am back in under 3 weeks, if it fits ok and everyone is happy that will be the end of this almost 5 month process and we can think of returning to Italy.  Reading today however that the French government is about to issue survival instructions to its citizens to prepare them for invasion makes me wonder if travelling into the EU is the best idea but things are changing so quickly it’s hard to predict

My doctor has prescribed a week of medication for my tongue.  I really cannot wait for all this oral annoyance to be finished. 

We have friends coming to stay for a few days next week.  I am hoping that at times a gappy smile will be acceptable as I cannot contemplate wearing my denture all day long,  maybe if I promise not to laugh.

Still knitting from stock, a very snuggly scarf in Debbie Bliss Angel 75% super kid mohair, 24% silk.  I used double yarn, dark blue with a little sparkle and pale grey together, I used 50g of each for 1.5 m long x 0.3 m wide. 

And on the go another pair of oddments socks for MrFF, I definitely have enough yarn for the legs and heels to match, what’s inside his shoes may not.

Today is the spring equinox, equal hours of sunlight and darkness before the daylight hours start to lengthen.  It’s 14 degrees outside with a hazy sun so I shall soon go out for my walk.  I am trying to feel spring likes, new growth, new beginnings, the start of spring, and hoping that getting my tooth fixed will be just the regeneration I need.

We started off so well

I was able to check online that my second set of tests were satisfactory and expected to be called back to the surgery for the official results and further discussion.  The radiography department advised me to contact my doctor if I hadn’t heard within 7 days.  I waited a bit longer than that before I sent a message on the pro forma we now use to contact the health centre.  I received the response my test results were ok and no further action would be taken.  Of course I wasn’t able to respond so back to the pro forma, same details, same questions like what did I expect from the doctor, was I affected mentally.  I did mention it was annoying to keep doing this and not being able to continue a conversation.  I also pointed out that my dentist had referred me to the doctor because of my tongue which no one had bothered to examine. They asked for a photograph of my tongue and provided a link for a one time reply, now I have an appointment in 2.5 weeks time.  

I am grateful for all the testing I’ve had which was all quick and efficient, at the hospital in Skipton I was in and out 10 minutes before my official appointment time and parking was free.  But I do wonder why I’ve had so many tests, pleasing as it is to know they were all ok, or why the issues I raised haven’t been addressed, no examination of my tongue or weight check.  I am back at the dentist before I am back at the doctor so will have another discussion with him and decide whether to cancel my appointment.

Meantime I’ve been knitting up sock yarn oddments.  I weighed the yarn and thought I had enough to make a reasonably matched pair.  Wrong. As MrFf said they will be inside my shoe, no one will know except me.  Same with my sore tongue, i could just keep my mouth shut.