Another Visit to the Doctor
The Nicotine Patch
Chapter Eight
The way to go when you need the extra help
Ten years later, it is now a cold winter night
in 2003; my wife and I went out to Manhattan with some friends. Needing
my nicotine fix, and my cigarette, I braved the freezing cold to smoke.
I got a massive headache. To alleviate the pain, I went to the nearest bodega and got an over the counter medication. The pain went away. The next morning, my skin was covered with a terrible rash that was itching and painful. It was an allergic reaction.
The doctor visit
I went to another doctor. This time it was Dr. J. My new medical insurance coverage didn't cover the general physician I had visited ten years earlier.
The rerun began, again the waiting room, again the dreary examination
room, and again the nurse with the fake smile. The nurse followed
the procedure perfectly; checked my weight took my blood
pressure took my blood for the blood test , smeared the alcohol,
dabbed the swab and pasted the band-aid. She left. I waited.
Dr. J walked in, he smiled, seemed in a rush, with his busy office I didn't blame him, he looked at my chart and asked me, "what brings you here today Mr. Green?"
"Well, I had this headache, I took a medication, and look at my stomach, it is as red as a tomato. What is going on?"
He began the examination, the usual routine, checking my ears, eyes and throat.
"The rash is nothing, just an allergic reaction brought about by ingesting that over the counter medication."
"Okay."
"We took your blood work, if it is anything else it will definitely show up in the blood test results. I believe, you have absolutely nothing to worry about, you are perfectly fine".
I am relieved.
"That sounds good to me."
It is time to stop smoking!
He puts the stethoscope to my chest and listens to my breathing.
"You smoke. Don't you?
"Yes"
With an austere gesture he looks at me.
"You sound congested. You better cut down on those cigarettes".
Shyly, I look back dumbfounded.
"Yes I know, I have to stop, I have been considering it for years".
Still with the stern harsh look on his face.
"Listen to me Mr. Green I know its difficult for you to quit smoking, you may be addicted to the nicotine.I will give you a presription fora cigarette patch . That way you can still get the nicotine your body is craving for. Getting people to stop smoking is a top priority for me. I have seen the damage it does. It is very severe. It surely pays to stop."
Nodding my head, in the yes gesture, repeating the up and downs.
"I agree. I have been thinking and talking about it for years now. You are right I should stop"
He looked ate me skeptically.
"Yes, you sure should. Really do it this time. By the way your blood test results should be back in two days. I will call you if there is anything wrong. I don't expect anything. Have a great day, and remember what we discussed."
Smiling now, I was happy to be finished with this dialogue.
"I sure will doctor. You too have a great day." I light up my next cigarette I got dressed, went to the front desk to pick up the prescription for the nicotine patch , passed through the waiting room, and out the front door. I reached the front steps; I reached into my jacket pocket for my cigarettes and my lighter and light up my cigarette. I enjoyed and relished the smoke being puffed into the cold air. I forgot our conversation.
I waited for the call.
Continue to the next chapter. The second phone call
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