I didn't like to ask my Phlebotomist for a photo, so the above will have to suffice (just to give you an idea).
Christophe (for that is he) always wears cut-off dungarees and floral T Shirts, and has Arthur Askey/George Burns style green round glasses; he also has Art Garfunkel type hair. To say that he is 'camp' is doing a disservice to the word.
Yesterday morning he came to the house just after dawn, to draw my three-monthly blood sample.
Lady Magnon asked quite innocently if he thought I should have an eyesight test (for my diabetes). I, of course, replied that my eyes were perfect.
"Yes, you have lovely eyes" said Christophe.
"No, no, I meant that my eyeSIGHT was perfect" I insisted. Christophe giggled slightly.
I think that was the closest I've been to being chatted-up, by a guy, for very many years.
He's a very nice bloke Christophe. Lady Magnon has a slightly different opinion; she called him a Hammer Film Clown. I hope he doesn't read this!
Results on Monday.
He comes to your house? how lucky you are, we don't have that service here .
ReplyDeleteAnd, he is always prompt; if he says he'll be here at 6.30 am.... that's exactly when he arrives. I like that!
DeleteNor do we - we have to go to the local Health Centre.
ReplyDeleteHope the results are good, Cro.
A phlebotomist who makes home visits? What service! I hope the results are as they should be.
ReplyDeleteGood thing Lady M was there to chaperone..
ReplyDeleteThat's what I thought!
DeleteYou really should have your eyes checked. The early stages of diabetic retinopathy are entirely undetectable by the patient and have to be found in an examination.
ReplyDeleteDon't get all technical with me... My eyes are perfect. I mean my eyeSIGHT is perfect.
DeleteThat's a lovely home service and it sounds like it is performed by a lovely man who thinks you have lovely eyes. Lovely.
ReplyDeleteIt doesn't come much better (but I do have to pay for it).
DeleteAt least he's entertaining while he's drawing blood! And house calls? Those went the way of the horse and buggy here in the US.
ReplyDeleteI expect it will here eventually, although the French medical service is extremely good.
DeleteUnfortunately I've met nurses that remind me of the one in your picture. One in particular! Sad but true.
ReplyDeleteChristophe is just funny; and very efficient.
DeleteOh dear Cro. The sad truth is that the older we get then being chatted up by someone of either sex and orientation is a straw to be clutched at.
ReplyDeleteNot sure if I'll be clutching at this one, but I know what you mean!
DeleteThe last time a doctor paid a house call to take care of me was more than 55 years ago. Could be some still make house calls here, but none that I know of. Too bad. There are probably more nasty germs in the doc's office and at the hospital than there are in most houses.
ReplyDeleteI hope your tests turn out well, but I agree with Jean and your wife. You should absolutely have your eyes tested, too, and needing that test doesn't have anything to do with how well you think you can see. My hubby has diabetes, too, so his doctor takes pictures of his retinas every year to (hopefully) prevent blindness. It's imperative.
I've just had my blood test results through the post; all OK. I shall heed your advice.
DeleteGlad the tests were ok. Your commentators have reminded me about eyesight changes due to diabetes. I had forgotten that. Coincidentally my dear but very large oldest son told me tonight that he is 'pre-diabetic'. I am still adjusting to this news. It was on the cards with his weight and lifestyle (computer programmer) but still a bit of a shock. We all hope he is able to make the weight loss, diet and lifestyle changes that are required. He is just 30. Which is not to imply that you are etc etc. I still am following your advice re. a daily spoonful of walnut oil.
ReplyDeleteHave you read about dieting and diabetes? It can be totally eliminated within a few months by following a strict diet. As your son is so young it could be worth his while, but he'd have to be prepared to follow a 600 calorie diet for about 3 months.
DeleteIs this a modification of the 5:2 Cro?sounds interesting. He has been told to lose 10% of his body weight. He has also been talking of lifestyle changes like a stand-up desk.
DeleteYour nurse sounds a scream, I'd love to have him take my blood, as I dread it and he would bring some humour to the situation!
ReplyDeleteHello from a new reader. Being diabetic myself and open to all advice, please may I be nosey and ask what the tip is re. a tsp of walnut oil daily? I have my bloods due on Monday at the local Health Centre here in the UK.
ReplyDeleteWelcome Mrs LH. My consumption of walnut oil is for general health, but I believe that along with strict dieting can also be beneficial to diabetics. I take 2 teaspoons every morning.... but it has to be good oil.
DeleteThank you. I will investigate.
DeleteNot only home visits from your phlebotomist but an efficient service - blood test one day and results IN THE POST the very next day.
ReplyDeleteI have to go to the surgery for my blood tests but they are free.
And today I go to the doc' for his analysis (although I know how to read it myself). I also need another 3 months worth of pills.
DeleteI go on Monday; not today!
DeleteI have just insisted that my husband have an eye test having not been for one since 2008 for driving, and he joyfully returned home to tell me that the optician said his eye sight is improving!
ReplyDeleteYes, I hope that your Phlebotomist doesn't read this, you might be in for a big surprise next time he visits you with his little needle.
Or a MUCH BIGGER needle.
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