They say it is and I've lectured my children on its virtues but sometimes I think it can work against me.
I've put up with a health concern for nearly a year . I've mentioned it to my doctor a number of times and his responses have been vague, always suggesting yet another modification to my diet. A flare up last week had me back in the doctor's office and, at last, some plan (if a bit vague) about getting to the bottom of the problem.
Then on Saturday I wanted to watch the local team's game of rugby. Usually I walk to the games but felt that was a bit risky if I needed to go home quickly so I drove there and parked my car where I could see most of the field. I took this photo on my phone as I couldn't see the scoreboard from where I was, then I magnified it. I left during the second half of the match but felt better again a little later and returned to catch the last minutes of the game.
I love the atmosphere of rural rugby. During a break in play to attend to an injured player, the opposition players called for someone to bring them a drink of water. Several lads ran out on to the field carrying water bottles, looking oh so proud of their place in the team.
It was during that afternoon that I decided enough was enough, when my life was being impacted to the extent of not feeling confident about walking to see a footy game, not being able to watch a full game without interruption, something had to be done and I'd have to put my Big Girl Pants on and be demanding.
Luck was on my side, my doctor wasn't available on Tuesday (Monday was a public holiday) and the lady doctor I saw swung into action when I had my little hissy fit. She promised some answers by the end of the week when several test results will come back.
Yay! That's all I say.
I think I've found a new doctor! I simply do not find it acceptable that I have to throw a wobbly to get attention. I've had dark thoughts when visiting that doc before, thinking I'll smack him one if he gives me that 'oh you poor thing' look just once more. I want answers, not sympathy.
On a more cheerful note I reminded myself of my mother when I was feeling really cross. Mum had seen the same family doctor all her life, he'd seen her through 7 pregnancies and he'd seen all of her offspring many, many times over the years. Any visit to Dr P always started with a catch up about your social life and the siblings. Anyway, once when I was home on holidays Mum asked me if I'd drop her off at the doctors and to my consternation directed me to a different practice. I thought perhaps Dr P had retired but no, Mum explained that every time she visited him, by the time he'd asked how all the children were there was never any time left for her and she was sick of it, she wanted all his attention, not 5 minutes at the end of the visit. I guess I'm more like Mum than I thought.