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.