The headache wasn't that bad, but it struck me as strange that it
1. Was on one side of my head
2. Had hung around for ten (now eleven days)
Nothing some Advils couldn't handle, but friends (including some readers) urged me to "get it checked out," on the outside chance it signified trouble.
I went to the weekend walk-in medical joint. Doc Saturday awaited.
I explained my story, saying it probably wasn't a big deal, but was checking with a pro just in case.
"Does Aspirin or Advil help?" he asked.
"Well enough," I answered.
"Then why don't you just take Advil and see if that makes it go away?"
Was he joking? I know how to take a stupid Advil. I thought, I can get the safety cap off and everything.
"I'm not here because it bothers me. I'm just making sure it's not trouble. You know. Something more serious." I said.
"You should see if you can knock it out with Advil first, and if that doesn't work, switch to Tylenol or Aspirin and then see me." he said, with a smug you silly malingering hypochondriac tone. "Of course," he added, "I can prescribe stronger painkillers if want"
Huh? I thought, he thinks nothing's wrong yet he's willing to prescribe freaking Oxycotton to me? Bad, Doctor. Bad! Bad!
We played I'm-just-here-to-be-safe and take-painkillers-to-make-it-go-away conversation badminton for a few more rounds. Finally I squeezed an "if it's still bothering you in a few weeks come back" out of him. Yeah, like I'm coming back to you.
Why didn't he just say "I wouldn't really worry about it unless it lasts several more weeks," when I explained why I was there? What planet was he from?
To give him credit, he did ask if I had other symptoms (vision problems, sensitivity to light, dizziness, recent clunk on the head etc..)
"Nope," I answered. "Just the headache. Nothing seems to trigger it, but it's worse when I nod or turn my head."
His answer?
"Then don't turn your head."
Geez
Namowal, I know that doctor exactly. Some people seem to have good relationships with doctors, but I've met my share of Dr. Advils, drives you nuts.
ReplyDeleteI guess somewhere in there it's good news, but geez not even the medical mj prescription?
I like this illustration a lot.
ReplyDeleteBut as for the doc...I'm getting a headache.
Hi Sally,
ReplyDeleteI agree it could have been worse, as in "You have rabies."
Can you imagine these slobs as auto mechanics?
You:"My car makes a funny noise"
Him:"Turn the radio up real loud so you don't hear it"
Hi Linda,
Glad you liked the picture. That's the upside to everyday frustrations- they're great material for pictures (and something to goof on)
The old "Take two aspirin and call me in the morning" line. Glad he wasn't alarmed it might be more serious. Hope you feel better soon. If your intuition tells you it needs to be investigated further, a second opinion might be in order.
ReplyDeleteHi Stray g,
ReplyDeleteIf it hangs around for several more weeks I'll get it checked out- but not by that bozo! :)
Not right. My comment just went POOF into cyberspace.
ReplyDeleteEssentially, it said: you'll think I'm lying, but you described what I have precisely. Ten, eleven days of big headache. Just when I think it's maybe a tooth, the weather changes and the headache disappears. The sinuses ACHE, but that, too, goes away. Santa B. is famous for being really bad for allergies, so maybe ...
I'm not typing anymore, in case blogger repeats the vanishing trick.
BoodaBaby,
ReplyDeleteI've had blogger zap my comments too. Crazymaking!
If I had to put money on the underlying cause, I'd guess it was a sinus thing too.