Thursday 29 November 2007

Health Issues


I wouldn't describe myself as a hypochondriac, partly because I can't spell it, but nevertheless, I can't help wondering when I'm not feelng one hundred percent whether it's something minor or major.

Recently I've been wondering about my cough. I've had it for weeks. Of course, it is the time of year to get bugs, but that could have caused the lung cancer to become noticeable. Or maybe it's something less serious, like tuberculosis, or pneumonia.

Someone at work has the same symptoms, so perhaps I should be reassured. Except that he's a heavy smoker...

I've also had other scares. However, the bowel cancer has gone away, and I haven't yet had a heart attack, despite pains in my left arm - usually after carrying a heavy load of shopping up all the stairs to my flat (I use my left arm a lot more for things like lifting). I did once rush to hospital and have an ECG, but strangely their machine didn't register anything abnormal.

I don't go to the doctor because either (a) I'm dying, and if so would rather not know, or (b) I'm not and would rather not waste everyone's time.

I did go when I woke up with a fatal neck injury. I had read in the paper about a woman who had a stiff neck. She had an X-ray and was told it was fine. A few weeks later whilst lying on some foriegn beach her mobile rang, and she was told not to move but call the paramedics, as she had a potentially fatal fracture, and her X-ray had been mixed up. My doctor, after having a cursory glance, rather than getting an ambulance asked if I'd fallen over lately. I had, a few days previously (muddy path). I was sent home, reassured that "You probably won't die just yet." So I survived that one.

The one thing I'm not looking forward to as I get older is that I'll start feeling more and more things going wrong, and that some of them might actually kill me. Still, I've got a long hard journey of survival before that happens...

22 comments:

Anonymous said...

I am so glad you have survived all those other issues.

As for the cough, my entire house has had one for over a month. We have given up eating regular food and now only consume cough drops.

I hope it goes away soon and that you are feeling all better. If not let me know and I will e-mail you my chicken soup and warm apple cider :-D

Jean Knee said...

wow, I'm gonna take this as a sign. I've been having a racing heart, then it skips beats and I get out of breath after going upstairs. I almost called the doctor yesterday but didn't. maybe I'll call, I know they'll tell me it's too muuch butter from the waffle maker 4000 and sitting on my tush too much, but still

Anonymous said...

Well, if I had a choice between butter and my health...it's no contest here!

BUTTER baby ;-)

Bee said...

BRIAN!
Go.to.the.doctor!
It's not nice to have people worrying! What if I come over here one day and there's no post and then I think you've keeled over somewhere??? Huh? Do you want that on your conscience in your last moments??

Bee said...

Sorry, I typed that before my coffee. Anyway, please go see a doctor regarding your cough. You've had it too long.

I have too tiny little incisions on my neck, I'm hoping for the best.

Jean Knee said...

Bee, those are just from the electrode from your shock collar, Penny has them too. Just ask Andy if you can leave it off for a few days

Bee said...

A few days????
He likes his fun, he'll never agree...

Brian o vretanos said...

Chris:

Thankyou. chicken soup and cider sounds like an interesting combination...

Jean Knee:

You could try using a polyunsaturated spread instead. Or something olive oil based, which is apparently the secret of a healthy mediterranean lifestyle. Though recent surveys show that Greeks and Cypriots live on kebabs, which doesn't seem likely to prolong your life...

Bee:

So it's okay if I keel over after I've seen the doctor?

Two Holes: you're not feeling anaemic, by any chance? Waking in the night, anything like that?

Jean Knee said...

Brian, I've used olive oil and it just isn't as yummy

tell you what. If you make an appointment to see the doctor I will too. what do ya say??

Bee said...

No Brian it won't be okay if you keel over! Maybe the doc will find an antidote for whatever ails you!

Why yes I've been having sleep walking episodes... and I'm thirsty.

Jean Knee said...

If you keel over can I have your books? not the einstein ones though

Brian o vretanos said...

Jean Knee:

My cough seems too trivial to go to the doctor's with. Apparently they won't do anything unless you're coughing up green goo... A few years ago they'd have put you on antibiotics, but they try to be careful now.

In a desperate effort to cut costs, they've now got a national phone line here that you can call and speak to a nurse, so I might phone them...

Anyway, you shouldn't risk your health on what I do - you should see someone!

Bee:

Fill your bedroom with garlic plants, wear a crucifix and don't open any windows at night. That's what they do in the films. (Not that it ever works).

Jean Knee:

Books: You can have my Greek Agatha Christie collection. And Dickens. And "Lectures in Classical Differential Geometry".

Jean Knee said...

strike the book thing

Bee said...

Nobody is keeling over! Both of you go to the doctor!

MMMMMM garlic! You know what? It would suck if I couldn’t eat garlic!
I love it so…

Bee said...

Brian, don't you have one about the history of light?

Brian o vretanos said...

Light Book:

Yes, and at the rate I'm getting through it, I'll be taking the damn thing with me to the grave ;-)

Currently on Page 126. 329 to go...

Anonymous said...

I don't know why but when I'm sick I need chicken soup and a cup of warm cider. Not necessarily at the same time. One of the few times you will fine me to NOT have coffee in my coffee cup!

Anywho, they are right and you should at least call the hotline. It would really be horrid if it was something more and you did keel over. And then I'd feel horrid 'cause I only told you to eat chicken soup.

Jean Knee said...

What? where's the pic of you in your thong?

tomorrow?

Bee said...

I hope thing means something else in your country... like "big long robe". ;op

Brian o vretanos said...

Chris,

I don't think I'm going to keel over just yet.

Jean Knee:

Are you talking to me? I don't have thongs, just trainers, I'm afraid.

Brian o vretanos said...

Jean Knee:

Are you sure you don't want my Differential Geometry book? It's got sections all about kissing ;-)

Jean Knee said...

nope, nuh uh no way

anything with geomrtry in the title has to be terrible

I never even took geometry