I saw a doctor the other day to discuss a medical concern I had. It was at a facility where they have the ability to run a surprising amount of tests. And to pay for this equipment I think they run every test they can on every patient they see.
Before I saw the doctor they ran a few tests on me. Everything was clear. So they ran more tests. I still hadn't seen a doctor.
When the doctor finally came in to see me, he told me the tests were clear before he proceeded to tell me my options. You see, this facility has the capability of having overnight guests, so to speak. The doctor informed me that there were two risk groups - high risk and low risk. A low risk person would be sent home. A high risk would be invited to stay overnight. He said I fell in between those two and that the option was mine as to whether I stayed or not and he would give me time to think about it and he left the room.
Shortly after he left the room someone came back to get me so they could do even more tests on me (equipment is expensive!). Again, everything was clear.
When the doctor came back to see me he asked what I had decided - as if it's still my choice. I told him I was going home to which he replied "okay but you're going to have to sign a waiver stating you're leaving against my orders".
Huh?!
At no time did he so much as suggest I needed to stay overnight. Although, as I type that, giving me a choice may have been that suggestion but he definitely did NOT make it sound like it was necessary.
In any event, I asked why I needed to stay - what were the risk factors that kept me from being low risk? His response - my age and weight. That's it. Every test had disproved any issues that would warrant an overnight stay but then, if I left they couldn't charge more for my visit.
But it makes me wonder, do they offer overnight stays to everyone of "a certain age" and weight? Because those "risk factors" are present with me at this time, even if I hadn't gone in to discuss a particular issue. I can't change my age so I guess that will always be a risk factor. And I know my current weight puts me at a higher risk for a lot of things. But that I have some control over.
So, I decided to start walking again. I have a treadmill in my living room but I decided to walk outside. Today was my first day. One of my neighbors was out so I asked her to join me - and she did. The funny thing was she didn't want to take the longer route I suggested, yet she took off like it was a foot race! I was winded and sweating half way through and she had no discernible side effects from the walk.
Anyway, we agreed we'd walk together when we could and hopefully I'll whittle away at the weight risk factor that makes doctors wishing to pay for their expensive equipment offer me overnight stays. In the meantime maybe I can find a counter thing for my blog to track weight loss so I'll feel a bit more accountable. :)
