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A Visit To The Doctor

 

Doctor visits for me

Were few and far between

I was much too healthy

By a doctor to be seen

 

And so the years went by

With nary a care or pill

Until one day I realized

I was beginning to go down hill

 

Off to the doctor I went

To try to keep ill health at bay

“You have high blood pressure

Take these pills each day"

 

Surely he didn’t mean

That I must take them from now on?

But he said that I must do it

Unless I wished to be dead and gone

 

I took them faithfully

‘Til the prescription all ran out

Didn’t bother to renew it

Then my own way, went about

 

Six months later to my dismay

I had an awful stroke

Should have listened to the doctor

When first he began to prod and poke

 

Dee Garner

©November 22, 2008

Author notes

Option #3

This is actually how it happened. I'll never be able to do all of the things I'd planned for my retirement years, due to the restrictions my body now lives with. I'm one of the lucky ones, though with a partner who loves me enough to insist on continueing his call to 911 when I said not to. And has continued to be here for me, sometimes to do things for me, sometimes to push me to do things myself, but always here with his love and understanding, a shoulder to lean on. It was a bad stroke but could have been so much worse without quick treatment. The doctors credited him with keeping me alive.

High blood pressure can be a silent killer, or a devistating crippler when not treated timely. I'm fortunate that I'm not dead and not nearly as badly disabled as I might have been. Check with your doctor.

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1 - 38 of 38

  • Melodies
    March 16

    Edit | Reply
    Thank you, Dee, for the reminder that we need to watch out for the "silent killer," which is high blood pressure. My doc told me that if I doubled my exercise, I might be able to avoid taking the meds. That means I have to walk 3 miles a day, every day. I really appreciated your very smart poem.


  • rbruce gold member
    February 18

    Edit | Reply
    My sympathies are with you. I understand exactly where you are coming from. I am a similar age and must pace my physical activities to the capability of the body.
    You have written it out so well. Congratulations.

  • Purrsanthema
    February 15

    Edit | Reply
    I'm so sorry! In stanza 4 line 4 I love the extra syllables.
    My Dad was a doctor. Some doctors have the communication ability of Aardvarks serenading starfish.
    My Dad was one of them. Don't blame yourself! He could have checked up on you like doctors used to long ago!


  • storiesuntold gold member
    January 15

    Edit | Reply

    Excellent and so true indeed

    My Mom went through this same thing and she had a terrible stroke . I have helped two of my loved ones through strokes and up and walking again and it was hard for the dr had told them they wouldnt ever walk again Dont you believe it and you work out evey day and know My mother inlaws left arm was no longer working by day but at night when she was sleeping she would lift it up over her head and that is when I knew she could use it and would a long as I was there to see her throguh and she did that very thing . Drs should never tell their patients they will never have the use of their limbs or anything again for it makes the mind give up


    • catz Moderators member
      January 15
      Edit | Reply
      Thank you for your encouraging comment

      My own doctor, who I switched to after meeting him in the hospital, has been understanding and wonderful. Always encouraging me, never allowing me to just take everything as it comes but making me realize I can do more.
      I'm not bedridden or wheelchair bound so I'm one of the fortunate ones. I'm grateful.
      Dee


  • Ellis gold member
    January 10
    Edit | Reply

    Instructive -- Valuable Message

    I'm on High Blood Pressure medicine, also.


  • Mari Goes gold member
    December 14, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    I know about the stroke, didn't know the cause...
    I too have, since two years ago, to take pill to control my blood pressure, which sometimes goes to 190. And just like you, I didn't need any kind of meds before, and let go days without taking my pills...well, won't happen anymore, actually will take them (2 a day I need) right now! I'm so glad you came out well from the stroke, and thanks for making me realise that somethings are the way they are and I must accept and get on with shoving chemicals down my throat in order to be rocking and rolling for long time

    • catz Moderators member
      December 14, 2008
      Edit | Reply
      Yes, Mariza, be sure to take your pills. I don't like the thought of having to take them from now on but they're what gives me that 'now on'.

      Thanks for reading this and your comment. I truly hope it's helped you to understand the possible result of not doing so. 190 is very high for blood pressure... I have been at that, too but with the daily medication I've managed to bring it under control and am consistantly in or close to the healthy range.


      Dee


  • Pete Greenslade
    December 4, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    i have high blood pressure D must heed your advice.. great poem good luck x

    • catz Moderators member
      December 14, 2008

      Edit | Reply
      I sincerely hope that you do see your doctor about your high blood pressure and faithfully take any medication he prescribes for you. Believe me, it can make all the difference in the world. A stroke comes so unexpectedly and without warning, as mine did.
      Thank you for reading and commenting on this


      Dee

  • storiesuntold gold member
    December 3, 2008
    Edit | Reply

    So true indeed

    Once on them no one can just stop at their own leasure for they can cause terrible things to happen . I am glad you are not too diosabled for yes it could have been devistaing indeed . God bless and also get regular checkups and have the dr know of any changes in how you feel for often those pills needs to be changed in strength once you are on them for a while and also blood pressure pills can delete you of pottasium so you need to eat a bannana every day


  • J aime Coudre silver member
    December 1, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    Good job...


  • countrybabe gold member
    November 29, 2008

    Edit | Reply

    Excellent

    This piece is excellent....I'm so sorry you went through that and were hit with a stroke. At least you are still around to tell about it and to deliver some good advice to others!!! Well done on this write and thank you for sharing it with us. Good luck in the contest.

    Countrybabe


  • Manda Kathryn Greeters member
    November 27, 2008

    Edit | Reply

    Hood Wink!

    Oh I am so sorry this happened My mother in law suffered a terrible stroke and keeps having mini ones and it hurts to see her in pain and know she can't dow aht she planned

    Touching write.
    ♥
    Stay safe
    ~Manda
    (Apologies for late Hood-Wink!)


  • Disturbed Prodigy
    November 26, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    makes me sit and think looking at myself i could use a visit to the doctor, keep it flowing and good luck in the contest


  • Lady Altheia
    November 25, 2008

    Edit | Reply

    100th Hoodwink

    We never want to do it but doctor visits are neccessary to prevent more serious illnesses. You are lucky to have someone who loves you to make sure you take care of yourself.


  • ml12
    November 24, 2008

    Edit | Reply

    100th Hood-Wink!

    I liked the simple rhyming that made the poem flow so well. I thought that it was a very accessible poem to read and it sounds like your husband is doing a great job. Cheers


  • Polaja Greeters member
    November 24, 2008

    Edit | Reply

    100th Hood-Wink!

    This is a very strong poem - both in the way it is written and what it shows about you I am sorry that this happened to you - but glad that you have overcome this (and continue to do so every day) and that you have the love and support of your partner - this poem has a serious message and you have framed it very well - I wish you the best in the contest!

    Keep writing and take care!

    Polly


  • wingsofgold25 silver member
    November 24, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    Thank you so much for the beautiful way you have written about this problem. I see a lot of courage you have and determination to overcome this by living your life to the fullest.
    I too have High blood pressure but I take my medicine every day and have been for 14 years. went to the Doctor two weeks ago and my blood Pressure was normal.
    I thank God that the Doctor caught mine in time.
    I say this hopeing it will be encouragement to know that even with High Blood Pressure We can still have a Happy life.
    My Friend My Prayers will be with you continually.
    God Bless.
    ED.


  • Frodofan silver member
    November 24, 2008

    Edit | Reply

    100th Hood-wink

    I know I've read this before. Perhaps on your Bandit day. Good message. Often times we don't listen to people and they turn out to be right, but this is a much more serious example!

    Keep writing.


  • angelica silver member
    November 24, 2008

    Edit | Reply

    A-MUST READ

    Dear Dee, I think we are all guilty of not taking our medication all the time. Mine was my fluid tablets. I used to go out every day so I got into the habit of not taking them and then only after I came home (if I thought of them) until I started having trouble breathing and found out I had fluid in the lung from not taking my tablets, it could've killed me because it causes heart failure. So now I NEVER miss them. That goes for any medication, people HAVE to ake them if they're prescribed to them.
    This is a well written poem that should be read by everyone.
    You are still with us and that's the main thing Dee and we can still enjoy your poems.
    Love Joan

  • Warrior7
    November 23, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    Thanks for sharing this with us Dee, going to the doctor isn't fun but sometimes we just have to bite the bullet and go. Your husband is an angel Dee and i'm glad that you are ok and dealing with things, even though you have your bad days you are still here and that is a blessing.

    • catz Moderators member
      November 23, 2008
      Edit | Reply
      Thank you, Andy And you take care of your problem, too. I had a dear friend who died of enphysema . He was in his late 70's when he passed away but had been a heavy smoker for many years and wouldn't give it up. He had been on oxygen for a few years. also. And when he died the doctors found that he had lung cancer as well.

      I don't mean to scare you, Andy, not too much anyway... just enough to make you determined to give it up. And you better do it!!!


      Dee


  • Mary O gold member
    November 23, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    Well thanks be to God, you're still here, writing; and thanks for sharing your experience. This may be thee heads up for many. As I read, I felt connection with your first part even to the point of feeling a downward trend. Searching the internet on conditions I was feeling I discovered some wonderful things. After a year of following some of my findings, I can honestly say, I feel ten years younger and with the blood pressure of a young adult. What I discovered was that better then exercise, though I do walk, to unclog arteries is to avoid foods with hydrogenated oils in them and especially interesterified oils, which will also put one into pre-diabetic condition fast. You can't rely on a label saying 'No trans fats.' You have to actually read the ingredience. You can check this out on the internet and also check out the benefits of extra virgin olive oil and extra virgin coconut oil as well. I've also been avoiding high fructose corn syrup as some believe this attributes to diabetes. Simple food like we grew up with is what I do now. Perhaps you already are aware of these things, however, just wanted to share.
    A well written and valuable piece you've presented here. Good luck to you,
    ~Mary O

    • catz Moderators member
      November 23, 2008
      Edit | Reply
      Your comment is sound advice, Mary... and I agree whith all you've said. Sal is an avid label reader and I have also been much more aware of what the labels say. though as you've said, don't rely on them entirely. The internet has become an ocean of information for all of us and I use it often. My doctor likes to think that it's all thanks to the medication he's perscribed for my return to normal blood pressure but that's the way doctors are usually... I know it's at least partly due to my own carefulness of what I eat.
      Since the stroke I am unable to do excercises as I used to be able to, even walking for more than a few muinutes so I rely a lot on what I eat and don't eat.

      Very good advice you've given here and I thank you for such an informative comment.

      Dee


  • MargaretG
    November 23, 2008

    Edit | Reply

    good message

    Dear Dee, we are very lucky that you are still with us, thank God for intervention.

    High blood pressure runs in my family, a stroke took my grandfather in 1963, before we learned about controlling it. My husband was diagnosed more than two decades ago with HBP and he has taken his medicine religiously (the only thing); though there have been other health problems, at least we don't have to worry about that.

    It is important that everyone know and control their blood pressure. This is a good message to share with your group.


  • Yemassee gold member
    November 23, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    Oh Goodness now you scare me. I know I have high blood pressure and have avoided doing anything about it. I keep thinking I'll just get really thin and exercise a ton...but I won't, lol.

    Ok, I guess it's time to get an appointment. I hate getting old.

    Thanks


    • catz Moderators member
      November 23, 2008
      Edit | Reply
      Yem, please see your doctor !!!
      I don't like getting old either... but it beats the alternative


  • hugh wyles silver member
    November 23, 2008
    Edit | Reply

    Dear Dee,

    It's years now since I heard my doctor say,
    when checking my BP, these words he spoke:
    "If you take ONE Atenolol each day,
    I guarantee you'll NEVER have a stroke!"

    So ever since, I've followed his advice
    and I can swear I've NEVER had a stroke
    though I hate the taste which isn't very nice
    and I must admit I still enjoy a smoke.

    The say prevention's better than a cure
    and it's best not to be sorry, Dee, but sure!
    I hope you take your BP pills each day
    and do exactly what the doctors say.

    And, seeing this is a contest poem, please don't let on to anyone (especially MY doctor) that I made this comment.

    Applause for your entry and best of luck in the contest,
    Take care. We love you XXX Hugh.

    • catz Moderators member
      November 23, 2008
      Edit | Reply
      Thank you, Hugh for your nice poetic comment. And don't worry, I take my medicine faithfully now. I do have my BP down to normal now and find that it's not hard to control.

      And I promise to not say a word to your doctor... but what is Atenolol?

      Dee

      • hugh wyles silver member
        November 23, 2008

        Edit | Reply
        Ask your Doctor or (cheaper) your local Pharmacist.

        ATENOLOL TABS. 50MG (PAC)
        Take ONE tablet daily. Continuous treatment ALWAYS keep a supply.

        Quoted from the label.


  • Summer52
    November 22, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    Hope you're getting better, Ma'am Catz. Sending you something to cheer you up.... coming soon. I'm just kinda busy attending seminars and work late nowadays.

    You're one lucky lady to still have a partner in crime...
    May you both have more happiness to cherish each day. Wish you and your family good health, good wealth, and long life.

    Good luck in this contest.


    summer51

    • catz Moderators member
      November 22, 2008
      Edit | Reply
      Hi, and thanks for the nice comment, Summer It's much appreciated. I'm looking forward to what you're sending. You sound quite busy

      Dee


  • Wolf Mistress silver member
    November 22, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    Awww Dee..I'm sorry this happened to you, I think a lot of us are doing just as you...some things you think you can live with...but than..one day your body says...enough...and sometimes the damage is bad enough to ruin ones life...

    I do hope there are a lot of things you still can do on your own...for sure I know one of those things is making wonderful poetry and giving good advice to us..out here....
    And it's good to see your hubby is still with you because I know a lot of situations in wich partners are leaving their other half because of an illness

    Thank you for your beautiful entrie
    Take care
    XXJeannette

    • catz Moderators member
      November 22, 2008
      Edit | Reply
      Yes I can still do many things but with much effort. I am learning to live with myself all over again I deal with life the best way I can and am thankful it isn't worse.

      Thanks for your comment

      Dee


  • suseann
    November 22, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    Sound good advice to be sure! But without insurance,it's not possible I'm afraid,and always told I ran abit high. As you've so poetically implied. Those days of vigor do escape us without much warning. Hopefully,this new administration can remedy the "without" situation for those of us needing preventitive medical attention.

    • catz Moderators member
      November 22, 2008
      Edit | Reply
      No insurance is one reason I didn't go to the doctor unless I felt I really needed to. It was a couple of years after my Medicare kicked in that I finally went. I certainly understand the hardship, financially and healthwise that not being able to afford medical insurance can be. It's so expensive. I too hope that our administration can make it affordable for everyone.

      You mention that your blood pressure is 'a bit high'. One of the best measures to avoid it though, is by diet and excercise. I wish I'd done that.

      Thank you for your comment

      Dee

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