What Not To Do

I mentioned yesterday that my doctor is concerned about my red blood cell count being slightly elevated. Not dangerously so, but higher than he'd like. Needless to say the first thing I did when I got back home was to look up what that condition might cause.

That, of course, is precisely what you should not do.

As it is, a high red count can lead to clotting, which might lead to strokes or heart attacks. It may signal a rare leukemia or other vicious underlying condition, all of which now have me worried because, of course, the worst is always going to happen. This is on top of me Pops having recurring blood issues (though not that) and now genetics are working against me too.

To be sure, it may simply be that my bone marrow has decided to kick a few more red cells into my system just because it wants to, something which can be covered through medication. But, again, the worst!

All of this comes from an elevated but not in itself dangerous condition. The Doc's precise instructions were to take a baby aspirin a day and stay hydrated, but to otherwise go about my routine. I was cautioned that if I developed a persistent headache, dizziness, or blurred vision I should go see him, or find an urgent care if necessary. In short, it's a borderline state which, though meriting a watch, is far from gloom, despair, and agony. Nothing particularly scary about that, is there?

So I'll do what he says and we'll do more blood work at my October checkup. If it's all right, problem solved. If not, I get referred to a hematologist, which itself is not reason for concern because he may well find nothing to worry about. 

But it feeds the paranoia, doesn't it?

It's how you say it

I had a doctor's appointment this morning. For those of you concerned about me (you are out there, aren't you?) it was nothing to worry about, just my regular checkup. Everything looks good.

Upon arrival the first thing I heard was, "Why are you here?" from a nurse. We had had a snowstorm overnight here in the D.

"Uh, I had a doctor's appointment," I replied, rather sheepishly considering it wasn't exactly a state secret. At least it should not have been to the staff.

So I get the routine physical and had blood drawn, and all looks good, although I won't of course know about the blood until after the tests. If all I get is a letter in the mail with the results as I typically do, they'll be fine. It's getting a call about them which would worry me!

When all was done the doctor instructed the nurse at the front desk to make my next appointment in August, and then he went about his doctorly way. The nurse turned to me and said, "Okay, we're giving you six months Mr. Cosgriff."

Feigning horror I replied, "I wish you wouldn't put it that way."

The young woman stared at me before bursting into laughter. "I see what you mean." Handing me a card with the time and date of the appointment (August 16 at 8:30 if you must know) she then said very certainly, "We will see you in six months, Mr. Cosgriff."

"Thank you," I said.