Practicing Medicine

I walked into the office of internal medicine to check in for my appointment. The waiting room was a representation of life itself, filled with patients of various ages, each with their own stories and health journeys. As I looked around, I realized that I was on the younger side of the spectrum, which was both comforting and slightly disconcerting. It reminded me that health issues can touch anyone, regardless of age.

After paying my co-pay, I found a seat facing the entry. Over the years, I’ve come to know this office quite well. The familiarity of the environment, coupled with the routine of visits, provided a strange sense of comfort. My provider, who has been a part of my healthcare team for several years, is the epitome of reliability, knowledge, and professionalism.

One of the things I appreciate most about him is his punctuality. If my appointment is scheduled for 10:10 a.m., I am called to the room by 10:08 a.m., and he walks in at exactly 10:10 a.m. This respect for time is unparalleled and is one of the primary reasons I have remained under his care. His bedside manner is equally commendable. He is calm, attentive, and genuinely empathetic, always willing to listen and address my concerns. As my life has become increasingly cluttered with schedules and appointments, I have grown to deeply appreciate these qualities.

When my name was called, I made my way to the consultation room. The familiar surroundings, combined with my provider’s calm demeanor, put me at ease. We began discussing my recent health experiences, particularly the elevated blood pressure readings that had become a significant concern. I shared my worries, emphasizing the importance of finding effective strategies to address both my physical symptoms and calming down the underlying stressors contributing to it.

I also shared my recent experiences with another provider regarding my diastolic blood pressure. My provider understood my concerns and reassured me that he would manage my blood pressure moving forward. Despite knowing that high blood pressure was the major cause of my headaches, I strongly felt that the stress from all the recent discoveries was significantly impacting my health. In response, my provider assured me of his commitment to managing my blood pressure effectively. He offered reassurance and support, which was immensely comforting. We discussed various treatment options. His thorough approach and willingness to listen made a world of difference.

I appreciate that my provider has discussions with me regarding the medical decisions made. He informs and advises, which is very important to me, considering that I work in healthcare. We decided to increase my lisinopril dosage from 10 mg to 20 mg daily and add an additional blood pressure medication at night. The second medication prescribed was Amlodipine 5 mg, which I would take at bedtime to help maintain consistent blood pressure levels. I would continue to record my blood pressure readings for the next week or so and then report the findings to him.

With a clear plan in place and feeling more at ease, I thanked my provider and left the office. As I drove home, I felt better about the situation. Managing my health would be a continuous journey, but with the right support and strategies, I knew I could face the challenges ahead.