Saturday, March 11, 2017

I HEART THE NHS

Had the echocardiogram today, done at hospital by excellent Portuguese doctor (yes, the blessed NHS is as grateful as we are to have so many 'foreigners' among its staff) and he said he was very happy with what he saw and heard on the machine. I was facing the other way from the screen so I couldn't see anything but I did hear occasional rumors of pumping blood.

So my heart is perfect - or as perfect as these things ever can be - in spite of my rather advanced years. I've been debating whether to come out of the closet where I hide exactly the number of that advancement but have decided against it. Maybe on my next birthday. Maybe not.

11 comments:

Tom said...

Congrats! Relief all round.

Should Fish More said...

Ultrasound is a good tool, esp. for valve function, wall motion and calculating ejection fraction. The only thing it lacks, which one usually does next if there is an abnormal US, is the ability to visualize the coronary arteries.....for that you have to send the pt. to the cath lab.

Glad yours turned out well.

Natalie d'Arbeloff said...

Thanks Tom, it's good to know I have caring friends even in cyberspace!

SFM, sounds like you're an expert at this. What is "an abnormal US"...apart from the, erm, ha ha, abnormal U.S.presidential situation?

Catalyst said...

Glad to know your echo is all-right-o. And I'll be looking for you to admit on your next birthday that you've finally passed 39 aƱos and are entering your fifth decade.

Natalie d'Arbeloff said...

Bruce...Hahahahaha....must sit down...my sides have just split...laughing too much.

Davoh said...

NO, no no Natalie ... we are all supposed to die on our own time .. disappear quietly into the bush somewhere .... unless, of course there is 'Family' some where happy to pay considerable finance into the
'undertaker' business. Sheesh, can i have a marble Tree, as evidence of my passing?

Davoh said...

(errr, am booked in for colonoscopy 30th this month - so forgive me for wry humour.)

Davoh said...

um.. 'colonoscopy' means - in real life ' a bittuva look' ... in case anyone panics.

Natalie d'Arbeloff said...

Davoh, hope the results are good, in other words nothing to worry about. A colonoscopy is not fun, I know. But we're lucky to live in an age when medical technology lets us live long lives. I'm one of those annoying people who would like to live forever.

Hattie said...

Natalie: You have a strong heart. You are so lucky! I need meds to keep my ticker going. And I have cancer, too. Bummer, but I'm getting excellent care through Kaiser, a managed care health provider.

Natalie d'Arbeloff said...

Hattie, yes, I'm lucky and grateful for it. Sorry to hear of your health worries - it's good that you have expert care. I wish you well.