Two Tuesdays
This is the second Tuesday of this month that I’ve been inundated with appointments. Tuesday last in the midst of the winter storm I had an eight-thirty dental appointment for a tooth repair of a large chip. Driving to Normalville, Pennsylvania was a daunting task on the snow covered roads. I was further discouraged by the falling snow and the prospect of driving to my next appointment down the often treacherous Springfield Pike. The hills and curves are always disconcerting in the fog or when the snow and ice coat the roads. I was early to the appointment. I watched the clock tick past my appointment time and still wasn’t escorted to the dental chair. The procedure didn’t take very long and I was soon in my car heading for my next appointment. It is a blind study for a new medication for diabetes.
I was early for my diabetic appointment, even though I drove slowly. My speed was always under 40, mostly 35 miles per hour and didn’t have any problems. It was my first visit and didn’t know what to expect. The appointment was mostly answering questions and filling out paperwork. The nurse did draw one tube of my blood for the project.
My next stop was to talk with my dietician. We reviewed the choices that I made for my daily menu. As we review my meals, he makes suggestions on how I can improve, but all in all he was happy with my selections.
This past Tuesday I had another round of tri-fecta of appointments. My first is the second visit to the diabetic study program. More history, vitals, and the necessary signing of permissions were the fare. I am still being evaluated as to whether or not I will be a good candidate. I know some subjects will be taking the new medication while others will be given a placebo. A placebo is basically a sugar pill or a capsule or an inert substance. The difference in the effectiveness of the drug will be compared with the placebo. I am becoming friends with the two ladies who are gathering my information.
My next appointment was for my annual eye examination. Everything went well there and I didn’t need to get new glasses or other problems with my vision. The eye drops caused me to be careful driving to get my haircut.
My last appointment is much closer to home. I was in need of a haircut again. My hair becomes fly-away when it gets long and I look like a wild man. The lady who cuts my hair has a salon is only several hundred yards from my front door. She is so pleasant and I always enjoy talking with her. Home at last.