AT THE HOSPITAL - CAN YOU DO THAT?

I was expecting to see the consultant for a triage assessment, the second one in thirteen months for the same issue. This was though, a different doctor from last time.   I had an  evening clinic appointment which gave us plenty of time to get there.

Because of the icy weather and long nights, we decided to take the morning intercity bus the 120 miles journey.  We sat back, admired views from the  new heights of coach seats, and relaxed.   We had to stay in a hotel overnight because there was no way to get home without a car. The last bus and train home from the town centre, ( about 3 miles from the hospital)  both left before 6pm.

There I was sitting with the man himself, who immediately acknowledged I had travelled a long way, "...And you were seen here last November for this problem." I was not sure if this was a question or a statement, after all, he did have the medical file in front of him.  Playing safe, I agreed  it was so. Then the doctor peered at me and said, "We can't leave you like that, something needs to be done." And he repeated it.  Well, I nearly fell off my perch. I heard myself meekly asking something like, "What will you do?" He explained the procedure.  " You mean you will do it now; can you do that?" The doctor gave me a benign smile " Oh Yes,  of course, you have come a long distance and this cannot be left."  That said, he asked the nurse to set up the equipment.

Hubby, who was in the waiting room, had to be forewarned.  There's no knowing what a fright he would have if I suddenly appeared looking like I'd been ten rounds (or, maybe five) in a boxing bout. As it was, he looked quite alarmed at the news of what was about to happen.