Monday, August 3, 2020

GOUT UPDATE

This morning I discovered that Doug had a very bad night with his Gout and the whole foot was swollen so I cancelled going on the Parkinson's walk and took him to White Cross which is an After Hours and Emergency Clinic as we knew Doug would not get in to see a G.P. at the practice we go to today.  Actually, I just phoned the practice to make an appointment for myself and there is nothing available until next week.

We got to White Cross just after  8 a.m. and I think there must have been just one doctor on duty.  There were not many people in the waiting room.  We waited for about three quarters of an hour and then went through to the Examination Room where a nurse checked Doug's blood pressure which was up, presumably with the pain, temperature etc. and then left us to wait.  It was another 30 minutes before the Doctor came in.

As far as Corona virus is concerned there were perspex shields in front of the desk staff but one had to go to the side to talk to them as one could not hear through the perspex.  There were no masks apart from the Doctor which made it very hard to understand what she was saying.

She gave Doug some anti inflammatory drugs and said he should check his blood pressure at least once a day so when we got the prescription we  bought a blood pressure machine.

When we left the surgery the waiting room was full so we were pleased we had gone in early.  There is a doctor shortage so we just hope that some of the Kiwis returning because of Covid are doctors as we could use some more here.

When we got home we had a very late breakfast and then Doug put his feet up and fell asleep.  The foot is still very sore but he says he feels a lot better.  As for me, I am exhausted.  There are usually two of us getting firewood in, cooking, doing dishes, feeding animals and birds but I got the jobs done and then cooked us a late light lunch, got the rubbish and recycling ready and have just put it out.

Hopefully, Doug will continue to improve. 

16 comments:

  1. do what is absolutely necessary Susan, and leave the rest. Us ladies are so capable, but when you have a sick man to care for, something has to be left till another day. Gout is so painful, thank goodness you did go there so early. XXX

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    1. Thank you Jean. It is still sore and swollen but he feels a lot better. I just did what was needed which included getting rubbish ready and out etc. Hope Hugh (and you) are improving.

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  2. Hopefully Doug will keep improving.
    I also have trouble with perspex screens - just cannot hear what the person on the other side is saying.
    Make sure to take care of you while you are caring for Doug, Mxx

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    1. The receptionists couldn't hear us either and asked us to go to end of screen. I will take care of myself as well.

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  3. Gout sounds as if it is very painful and I am pleased that Doug is now feeling a lot better. I don't know the consequences of having gout, but hope that he soon gets over.

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    1. With Doug's high pain threshold it must have been really bad. At least it is a bit better tonight.

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  4. Gout is nothing to be trifled with. I am quite sure it is the worst pain I ever had with my one and only bout.

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    1. It seems a little better. I just hope he gets some sleep tonight.

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  5. Glad that Doug has some relief..a pain in other ways too when you like walking. As said above, don't overdo things, please...most things will wait 🙂 xx

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    1. He seems a lot happier today. Only essentials getting done.

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  6. Oh, my. May Doug continue to improve! (And may you be getting the rest you need as well. x)

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    1. He is improving and I am about to put my feet up and read for a while.

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  7. I hope Doug got some relief with the medicine.

    Getting a doctor’s appointment here always takes too long. I am grateful for the urgent care facilities we have because of the fast service.

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    1. It seems to be the same worldwide. At least the pills have helped and Doug is feeling happier.

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  8. Even getting into the doctor's here for an appointment is quite a saga, twice in the last month I've tried to get in only to be told there is a 2 week waiting list, it's quite ridiculous really.

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    1. I worked out what scripts I needed and ordered them through "Manage my Health" so hope to get them this week. Our surgery moved to a different building at the weekend so that won't be helping things.

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