Heart attack

Monday, March 16, 2020

Doctor's Phone Call and Coronavirus

(Monday)I had a doctor's appointment booked for this morning. I made it, following my blood test which was done a few weeks ago. It was easy enough to make the appointment by using the surgery's on-line service. It's very much less stressful than trying to get through on the telephone, although I haven't, as yet, done this. Since moving from Ashfield Medical Centre to Central Milton Keynes Medical Centre I have to say I'm a good deal happier with the new surgery. I got  text message a few days ago asking me if my appointment was urgent and to, please, telephone the surgery to let them know and I was prepared to visit this morning, but then I got a further test message to say that the doctor would ring me to discuss the blood test.

It seems, in general, the blood test didn't show anything much to worry about. My cholesterol is at 3.1. I'm not sure exactly what that measures, but it's a good score. They usually say that you have to get your cholesterol below 5. I'm not entirely sure what the number represents. I should do some research first. Apparently there is something concerning the doctor which shows up in connection with my liver and she suggests having a scan which uses a sonic device (I think similar to what they use to check on the unborn baby when a woman is pregnant and I think was used when I had a heart check at Milton Keynes several years ago.) and I will be sent a letter from the hospital when an appointment comes up for me to attend.

Then I had to ask about coronavirus. Considering my heart condition, which makes me vulnerable to coronavirus, meaning it could be serious if I caught it, would she advise me to stay away from Camphill at the moment? Not actually necessarily for my safety, but also for the residents? To which she said it would be a good idea not to go, which means isolation. So, tomorrow I shall stay at home. I texted Teo, the leader of the drama workshop at Camphill and he soon texted back to say he'd got the message.

Having been watching Boris Johnson this afternoon during the latest press conference regarding the coronavirus outbreak, it would appear that guidelines suggest that everyone 'self-isolates.' I can order from Sainsbury's on-line and have it delivered, but I'm not sure about my repeat medication. I'm not sure whether I can have my order delivered or whether I have to go and collect from Lloyd's Pharmacy within Sainsbury's.

(Tuesday) I'm at home today. I am 'self-isolating,' attempting to keep myself free of the coronavirus outbreak. I needed a few items of shopping and decided to go to Aldi in Bradwell Common. I drove away from Oldbrook and had intended driving directly there via Witan Gate and went along Evans Gate, but at the roundabout at Childs Way there was some sort of incident, with police in attendance and the road closed. It's only a short distance to Sainsbury's and then on along Witan Gate and then across several sets of traffic lights and over another roundabout and into Bradwell Common. Aldi is directly opposite Central Milton Keynes Medical Centre. So, because of the road closure I had to take an alternative route and turn left and onto the next road across. Arriving near Aldi, I was really surprised by the number of cars arriving in the carpark. Considering it was mid-week, the volume of cars and people arriving was quite unbelievable.

I've had an email from Shenley Christian Fellowship. The quiz night has been postponed until October. I was really looking forward to this. It has already been postponed from before Christmas. The leadership team is meeting, I think today, to decide whether the Sunday services should be cancelled. It must be a very difficult decision to make when government guidelines say we shouldn't meet in groups and go into self isolation. It must be very difficult for families with young children.

(Wednesday) I'm bored silly. I'm reading more than usual. The next book in Simon Heffer's trilogy of books which lead up to the First World War. I've already read 'High Hopes,' which starts in C.1840 and ends C.1880. I'm currently reading 'The Age of Decadence', which takes the story from 1880 up until 1914.The next book, 'Staring At God,' isn't due out in paperback until mid May. As each book is around 800 pages long, I will be reading until at least then. Excellent reading and so detailed. Highly recommended if you're like me and have an interest in history.

Just been emailed by Ross at SCF. All church activities have been cancelled until the foreseeable future. Going to be odd not going on Sunday, but with the coronavirus pandemic, I can see why this has to happen. They are going to have some worship put on Facebook video, which should be interesting. Not entirely sure how it works. I can watch via my Firestick and have it on my HD television. I don't think I would want to have it on my MacBook.

I've discovered something called 'Sofa Singers,' which was mentioned on BBC Breakfast (I think it was there, or else it might have been on The One Show.' It allows those who are self-isolating to join others all around the world (or it might be just in the United Kingdom.) to join together and sing. Sounds like fun and a good way to do something to while away the boredom when you can't meet other people because of the coronavirus pandemic.



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