Doctor Appointment Rant

When I signed up with my current doctor, the first appointment I had was one where I had to fast. So, from 6:00 p.m. the previous evening until I got done with my doctor's appointment, including blood tests, etc. by 11:00 a.m. I could not eat or drink anything but some water. Under normal circumstances this wouldn't be such a big deal, the fasting, I mean, because you are probably at home or you are just not going to be seen by a stranger first thing in the morning. Now, the staff and nurses always joke around (sympathetically) on these appointments, because they know how uncomfortable it is to have fasted for that period of time and have to come in and see them. They also know how horrible it is to not have your morning coffee; as that is the number one complaint they hear!

I was at my new doctor's office early, so that I could get my paperwork taken care of and go to the lounge in the building to get a juice for after my appointment. I was running late, so I didn't have time when I was on my way here. The nurse told me they don't have any soda or juice machines in the building and there was not a store or any other food place within 2 miles. That would have been ok, if I had driven there, but I did not have a car at that time and I had taken a taxi.

Needless to say by the time I was finished getting poked and prodded and writing down my life story, I was getting dizzy (probably from low blood sugar or it could have just been psychological also) I just know how I feel after these appointments. I had a friend pick me up and we went to the 1^stconvenience store we could find and I had the best bottle of orange juice I have ever had. Funny how good food tastes when you can't have it for awhile!

Lesson Learned: I now make sure I bring maybe a juice or some ice coffee or a peanut butter cup for after the appointment. My doctors and his staff know this and they usually try to find out what "my treat" is for that day! I am writing this article so that someone else doesn't have to go through this and it was just uncomfortable, not a real health issue, just a crappy way to start the day! So, if you are going to a new doctor and don't know the area or the building well, just call before you get there or make sure you packed something for yourself!