Make Sure You Regularly See Your Doctor
I remember Apr twelve, 1999 like it was yesterday. My new family physician called and related, “I need you to come in for another blood test. I found something and i need to be sure. ”
Let me clarify – for me, this ‘new’ general practitioner was essentially the 1st doctor I had seen since my move to Toronto from the US in 1981, completely 16 years before. I did not feel any need to see a doctor. The real reason I made this appointment was because my dad requested it. Apparently his doctor found something in him that may be genetically passed down to his sons. So my 2 siblings and I dutifully trotted off to see a medical practitioner if only to put our dad’s mind at ease.
When You consult a medical practitioner It’s Either good news or Bad News
Just a day after submitting my 2nd blood test, Dr. Kerlow called again and said, “The results have been confirmed. I need you to come in so we will be able to talk about the implications. It’s insistent. Are you able to come in this afternoon? ”
Now I am not one to fret, but these words from Dr. Kerlow sure raised my curiosity. At age forty five, I prided myself on being in better shape than lots of men my age. Actually the majority sometimes guessed my age to be in the low 30′s. Come on now, there was no reason for me to fret. And the way i was feeling, certainly I did not have to consult a doctor.
When I turned up at my appointment, Dr. Kerlow greeted me with a warm, friendly grin. Yet I could sense a seriousness in his look, almost as if he wished he did not have to deliver this message. He commenced, “I have good news for you. We probably did the screening and you can tell your pop that he doesn’t have to worry. ”
“However… ” he continued.
The period between that word and the following seemed interminable. Indeed, it had been a moment frozen in eternity.
“both your blood tests conclude that you have CLL – persistent Lymphocytic Leukemia. From the looks of things, you’ve had it for some considerable time now because it has advanced into what we call stage two… ”
For the next 15 minutes or therefore Dr. Kerlow explained the meaning of my blood test results. He debated the prognosis, mentioning various stats of people with my same condition. He concluded with an advised action plan, inspiring me to go home and talk it over with my folks before taking another step.
Your Life May Change When You consult a medical expert
My life really modified the day I took my dad’s advice to see a medical expert. As is usually the case, I went through all the gears, from skepticism to denial, resentment to approval. Today, almost eleven years after, I’m happy to report the CLL is in hand. In reality my white blood cell counts are really improving, much to my oncologist’s surprise.
I still consult a medical expert – 2, in reality Dr. Kerlow and Dr. Chiarotto, my oncologist – on a consistent basis. While my health is in general good, there remains some insignificant issues. My wife Maggie would like me to see a medical practitioner whenever any little thing comes up. I resist.
And that is the point of my sharing this story with you today. Why don’t folk want to see a doctor on a more regular basis, particularly if there are symptoms that might indicate larger underlying Problems? There are several Louisville doctors, Newark doctors and qualified Norfolk doctors that will help you out.
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