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It was back to Clifton Park on Wednesday to meet yet another physician.
This sort of thing had been making me very nervous, due to a series of shall we say unfortunate experiences.
However, some months ago I was fortunate enough to find a doctor who broke the chain, as it were.
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During my first encounter with that kind man I was keenly aware that I was babbling and that I must seem like a raving lunatic, but the doctor’s demeanour did not change and he listened patiently.
He looked at me. This was not my usual experience. Normally physicians glue themself to a computer and hammer away on a keyboard, barely glancing toward me.
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Leaving that appointment, I felt a weight lifted, knowing that I now had a primary care doctor who did not regard me as just one more nuisance.
Only months later, he left the practice and I waited in suspense for weeks till I met his replacement.
She turned out to be a star.
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In between I had met a new rheumatologist, which was another good surprise.
Furthermore, I was all but rejuvenated by a new treatment at the pain clinic.
It was all beginning to seem too good to be true.
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Just to keep me grounded in reality, there was that total failure two weeks ago, but…amazingly I found a new doctor, in Clifton Park, who could see me…this past Wednesday.
The old me would have gone there tongue-tied and fearful, but I realised that the nerves are gone.
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It didn’t hurt that the new specialist is not only a doctor as opposed to physician’s assistant, but also a surgeon, therefore there will be no passing on of miscommunication to third parties which was the previous problem.
As it happens, I also felt immediately comfortable and listened to!
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Yesterday I touched base with my new primary care doctor and I asked her if there was any way I could send a message to that very kind man who had been my previous pcp so briefly.
I explained to her how he had calmed my nerves and given me back some self-respect and confidence which is something beyond value.
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It has been in my mind a lot in recent months and I felt it was important to express my gratitude.
My new physician has his contact and I am glad to know she will pass him the message.
A small thing, perhaps, but important.
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While I was at my Wednesday appointment, Grant was entertained by a bird which stayed around for me to take its photograph.
A Northern mockingbird.
Isn’t it grand?
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Then as we were driving home, we came upon a bird sitting on wild parsnips at the side of the road.
Amazingly it did not fly off.
Eastern kingbird. Also grand!
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It’s always nice to spot a bird we don’t see often.
Today being brilliant (that is sunny and warm with a delightful breeze), we were in the garden.
Suddenly, Grant called me over to where he was working by the garage.
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There’s a mockingbird in our pine tree.
Singing a wonderful set of songs!
Non-stop.
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From what I understand, the leaping up and down and fluttering about is defensive, so there is likely a nest.
A turkey vulture hovered nearby, probably looking for something other than mockingbirds, but it seems they are extremely protective.
As well as lovely.
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Any day that includes birds is a very fine day.
Yes, the Northern mockingbird you’ve photographed is very great !
Thank you, Carolyn, for the stunning photos of the sunny June landscapes, the update on your health improvement, the wonderful photos of the mockingbird, and my pleasure of learning that you are remembering the kindness.
Joanna
What a fantastic selection of feathered friends, and great news on the medical front!
Enjoyed reading
Good weather, a helpful doctor, and a great selection of birds. That’s a really good day!
Best wishes, Pete.
It’s great that you were able to find so many good doctors in a relatively short time – I’m really happy for you! Oh yes, and I have to compliment you on that photo of the Eastern kingbird – it’s so beautifully in focus that one can even see the fine patterns on its wings! And I like your action photos of the “in flight” mockingbird too.