Puzzles of all kinds

I finally broke down and went to a doctor. I'm now on two antibiotics. And I'll be scheduling a colonoscopy soon.

I'm doing much better but not "right" yet. But I'm to the point that I need relief, because I'm so tired .... no, exhausted .... from the drain on my body and the antidiarrheal medication that works like a sedative. So I'm looking forward to feeling many times over improved in the next few days.

I selected a new doctor, because to schedule the colonscopy, the GI doc requires there is a Family Practice or Internist doctor on record. As they explained, it is in case something should go wrong, for instance with my heart, during the procedure. So I picked a doctor, but I'm not fond of him. I was cautioned that he isn't the most, uh, patient friendly around, but he was quick to get in to see, and I needed relief. True to that caution, he pissed me off right off the bat! He was condescending and asking some rather stupid questions, considering the answers were on the multi-page form I filled out! Don't you love how they make you fill all that out, but obviously don't look at it? Some do, but many don't, and it galls me. He also misstated several things (I said I was having chills, then he said "so you have a fever," and couldn't get it through his head how many years since I'd had a siege of this. And the topper was when he asked (1) "how do you know it is diverticulitis, as there are many things that can be wrong with the colon" and "how were you diagnosed" for diverticulitis. (1) Another doctor told me so, and (2) it was nearly 20 years ago, I was being diagnosed with multiple tests for several things, and I honestly don't remember what tests were done! I was having labs or tests every 1-2 weeks for about three months, and I can't recall what was what. So at this point, I said, "I guess you could call my doctor in Kansas City and ask him about it if you need to know."

After that, he was more attentive and calmed down to a nicer tone. However, I won't go back to him. I will return to the little clinic I went to before. There is a Nurse Practioner there, and she refers to docs for special things. I couldn't use her this time, because the GI doc wanted a physician in case of emergency. However, I'll trust her to treat me and make referrals as necessary.

BTW, I was looking at his diplomas and certifications as I waited (for over an hour!) and I know what part of his problem is .... his undergrad degree was in .... wait for it .... Electrical Engineering! Twelve years later he got his MD! Yeah, bedside manner of an engineer. Don't get me wrong, I like engineers. My son is one! But the thing is, compassion is not necessarily the strong suit of engineers. Oh, well! Anyway, it is quite a leap, and I wonder what makes one take that kind of change of direction.

I've been putting together a jigsaw puzzle. I finished it last night after ten days or so. You know how it is with jigsaw puzzles, you always swear there is one piece missing? Well, there was!! It was a brand new puzzle, so there was a factory glitch or, more likely, one fell off the table and a dog ate it. I guess I will just toss that puzzle. It's aggravating, though, because I looked and looked for that piece, right in the middle!

OK, I guess it is time to start another puzzle. See ya later!