Three words I always hope to hear in February…

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Three words I always hope to hear in February…

February 11, 2015 by Robin Ellis

This week marks the end of the testing season–feet, heart, liver, kidneys, prostate, skin–you name it!

On Monday it was the annual love fest with Dr Nguyen Ngoc Luong, my opthamologist.

A man of few words, Dr Luong sits on a swivel chair with an alarming revolving table to his right.

At the push of a button this table goes in to action, swinging round to position a new chin rest at eye level between me and the good Doctor. This happens three times in the course of the test.

Then comes the checking of my long sight.

Reading off the numbers or letters projected on the wall opposite, as Dr Luong slips different lenses in and out of the “pince-nez” he fastens onto my nose.

I feel like a schoolboy keen to answer teacher’s questions correctly.

Now it’s time for the most intimate moment of the session.

We both shift nervously on our chairs preparing to stare into one another’s eyes for a few breathless moments.

My freshly shaved chin juts towards his as he points a penetrating light at my pupils–shining it into every corner of my cornea and beyond.

Breaking the spell, he leans back and utters three precious words. To my relief–a few days short of Valentine’s Day–not “I Love You” but…

“Pas de diabétes!”

I uncross my fingers–and feel foolish again for indulging in the Superstition Game.

Another year CLEAR!

Posted in Diabetes, other sides to this life, Robin Ellis | Tagged diabetes, eye test, valentine's day | 61 Comments

61 Responses

on February 11, 2015 at 5:05 pm | Reply Chris Lupone

Yay! (There is an enthusiastic, American response for you.) Long may that continue, Robin!
- on February 11, 2015 at 5:29 pm | Reply Robin Ellis
  
  Thanks Chris–always appreciate the Amurican response!
on February 11, 2015 at 5:14 pm | Reply Steven Hill

Whew! Congratulations Robin. Long may you run!
- on February 11, 2015 at 5:28 pm | Reply Robin Ellis
  
  Thanks, Steven–same to you!
on February 11, 2015 at 5:24 pm | Reply Constantine

Just had a retinopathy myself yesterday. Stumbled out with eyes bleary from the drops they put in before the test (you are forbidden to drive to the appointment). Now await result, which they send to my GP.
- on February 11, 2015 at 5:28 pm | Reply Robin Ellis
  
  Cross fingers, Constantine.
on February 11, 2015 at 5:40 pm | Reply Meg Daley-Reynolds

Fantastic news – your steps through all that beautiful snow will have an extra bounce. Long may you continue to cook up your fabulous storms.
- on February 11, 2015 at 5:50 pm | Reply Robin Ellis
  
  Thanks, Meg.
on February 11, 2015 at 5:43 pm | Reply Sandra Ruth

Congratulations!!!
- on February 11, 2015 at 5:49 pm | Reply Robin Ellis
  
  Thanks, Sandra.
on February 11, 2015 at 5:57 pm | Reply nancyj315

You’re a great example of the benefits of minding your diabetes. So many people, especially in the US, just stay in denial and ends up losing their eyesight not to mention other bits of their bodies.
on February 11, 2015 at 5:58 pm | Reply naomi

I am so Glad 4 U my late parents had diabetic retinopoghy I am fighting Kidney Cancer myself now robin, please give me some kind words it would mean so much coming from U Thanks Naomi
- on February 11, 2015 at 6:24 pm | Reply Robin Ellis
  
  Dear Naomi, I’m sorry to hear you are not well. I trust the care you are receiving is helping you to keep your morale up and to be positive.
  With very warm good good wishes. Robin.
  - on February 11, 2015 at 9:40 pm naomi
    
    Dear Robin, TYSM for your reply, Your kinds words mean so much to me. Memorial Sloan Kettering in New york City is an amazing hospital and the treatment is beyond belief, I am not used to such caring
    
    Warmest regards, Naomi
  - on February 11, 2015 at 9:43 pm Robin Ellis
    
    A good place to be, Naomi, Meredith says.
  - on February 12, 2015 at 10:05 am naomi
    
    Meredith TYSM for your reply means so much to me
on February 11, 2015 at 6:14 pm | Reply Denise Plested

And most of that is because of the impeccable care you take of your health, so kudos to you. I am a retired hospice nurse. I know the other direction. You are an inspiration…….YAY!
- on February 11, 2015 at 6:27 pm | Reply Robin Ellis
  
  Thanks, Denise–what brilliant and blessed work you were doing. I remember the wonderful care nurse Angela (aptly named) gave my father at home.
on February 11, 2015 at 7:07 pm | Reply Richard James Bradburn

Excellent news, Robin. I likewise have to undergo scheduled trials, and there is always a frisson of fear as one awaits the verdict. Last blood test a week ago, no longer even pre-diabetic, and blood sugar below expected result for a man of 63 years. We are both spared for another year of travel and good eating and red wine. My doctor asked “How do you do it ?” Answer as always, 10,000 steps a day.
- on February 11, 2015 at 7:34 pm | Reply Robin Ellis
  
  Great news Richard–well done. I was thinking about 10000 steps today as I was doing my 20 minute walk. I do this every day but I don’t think i could do 10000 steps.
on February 11, 2015 at 7:08 pm | Reply Neil G

Très bon mon ami!

Hi Robin,

I love reading all of your posts. They flow and sing, as well as grab your attention and imagination. It is even more pleasing when it is good news like this. I hope you and Meredith are both doing well.

Neil
- on February 11, 2015 at 7:28 pm | Reply Robin Ellis
  
  Thanks, Neil.
on February 11, 2015 at 7:38 pm | Reply rjmaloney

Yes nancyj315 you are very correct about the American diabetic. I worked for a short time at the Joslin Diabetic Center in Falmouth and found some of the workers there less than supportive of those patients and yet the patients were trying to follow the recommended Rxs. Its the American lifestyle that is so different from Europe and then when one has to adjust that lifestyle to diabetes it is very difficult. As an actor I’m certain you take great care to maintain a healthy lifestyle and also because you had diabetes in your family you were aware as anyone with a parent with diabetes knows, that developing it yourself was a possibility. You are a wonderful role model and also its great to have recipes that are in tune to the diabetes regimen. Also its very easy to eat what you you serve for non diabetics.
on February 11, 2015 at 9:12 pm | Reply krizzo49@verizon.net

Good news, Robin! Good health to you
- on February 11, 2015 at 9:16 pm | Reply Robin Ellis
  
  Thanks,Krizzo.
on February 11, 2015 at 9:13 pm | Reply Anne

I was visiting a new ophthalmologist and as he gave me the close up eye check I said: “Gosh, and I hardly know you”. He cracked up.
- on February 11, 2015 at 9:16 pm | Reply Robin Ellis
  
  Lovely!
on February 12, 2015 at 12:29 am | Reply Vicki Giger

Good health news is always nice to hear. My dad was diabetic so I understand the nervousness of tests. Keep moving forward.
on February 12, 2015 at 1:48 am | Reply Dianne P

You had me laughing with that GREAT fly-on-the-wall description, Robin!! I get so embarrassed when they get up close like that–I want to crack up!
Glad to hear that all your parts “passed inspection” again!!
- on February 12, 2015 at 7:19 am | Reply Robin Ellis
  
  Thanks, Dianne.
on February 12, 2015 at 2:37 am | Reply Kate Brown

Congratulations, Robin! I’m so glad your tests went well. As a nurse, I wish all my clients took as good care of themselves as you do!
- on February 12, 2015 at 7:19 am | Reply Robin Ellis
  
  Thank you, Kate.
on February 12, 2015 at 4:18 am | Reply Norma L-H

Happy Valentines Day Robin for more than just having Meredith to be with but for the continued better health to enjoy each other ‘s company 😍
Cheers, Norma
- on February 12, 2015 at 7:19 am | Reply Robin Ellis
  
  Thank you< Norma–and the same to you and Bill!
on February 12, 2015 at 7:30 am | Reply Hilary Mepsted

Such an amusing and accurate description Robin – just been through it myself and off to collect new specs in a minute. Glad you passed with flying colours. Always enjoy reading your postings. Hilary
- on February 12, 2015 at 8:38 am | Reply Robin Ellis
  
  Thank you, Hilary.
on February 12, 2015 at 7:42 am | Reply Lisa Joe

Hi Robin
Glad to hear that your eye test and other medical tests are all clear!! It’s the proactive care that you take of yourself of healthy eating, lifestyle and exercise!! Well done and impressed!! 😊
on February 12, 2015 at 11:41 am | Reply Elizabeth Gibbons

Thank you for sharing such good news. I was just told I had “very healthy eyes” by my lovely doctor and the relief at our age is heavenly – so difficult to remember we are no longer energetic bouncy children! It is wrenching to see others in the doctors’ office who are clearly suffering – your website is an inspiration for those who would like a good long healthy life. I recommend your cookbooks to everyone I know. I hope that you and Mrs. Ellis have a joyous Valentine’s Day, particularly in the French wine department.
- on February 12, 2015 at 12:21 pm | Reply Robin Ellis
  
  Thanks Elizabeth, your comment is much appreciated and your Valentine greeting–let me reciprocate!
on February 12, 2015 at 2:13 pm | Reply paola pascolat

Aléeee oh oh! aléeeee oh oh! Have a red wine toast and I will do the same as recovered from flu (it is time to lift up the glass again!) yeeehh! I had a careful eye check one month ago, too.
- on February 12, 2015 at 4:11 pm | Reply Robin Ellis
  
  A nous deux, alors!
on February 12, 2015 at 4:29 pm | Reply elaineward

So glad to hear that all went well with your medical, Jimmy has to go through
them all every year,but its worth knowing that all is well, and if there is a problem it can be spotted quickly, and get the treatment needed hopefully.
It’s always a little disconcerting when that eye testing apparatus swings your way.
Best wishes for a very happy weekend to you both.Cheers.
- on February 12, 2015 at 5:08 pm | Reply Robin Ellis
  
  You are right, Elaine–it has to happen and the sooner you know the better and with any luck it’s good news!
on February 12, 2015 at 5:56 pm | Reply Genie Pohl

Congratulations, Robin!
- on February 12, 2015 at 7:19 pm | Reply Robin Ellis
  
  Thanks,Genie.
on February 12, 2015 at 7:14 pm | Reply marge crawford

So glad to hear you had a clean bill of health. I am a 3 time survivor of breast cancer and every 6 months a cross my fingers too for a good result. Cooking many of your recipes I know is a help to me to better my help. Thank God for good doctors and good recipes.
on February 12, 2015 at 7:21 pm | Reply Virginia Balascio

Congratulations on doing well with your diabetes. I have been doing these tests for 12 years now so far good news. Happy Valentines Day to you and Meridith.
- on February 12, 2015 at 9:15 pm | Reply Robin Ellis
  
  Well done yourself, Virginia.
on February 12, 2015 at 7:23 pm | Reply marge crawford

I should really read my post before I send and did not know how to correct.
I cross my fingers and the other correction is to better my health. I think I need new glasses. Marge
on February 12, 2015 at 10:32 pm | Reply shawdiane

Congratulations Robin & Well Done. You are an inspiration to many.

🍀Shawdiane

>
- on February 13, 2015 at 7:10 am | Reply Robin Ellis
  
  Thank you, Diane.
on February 13, 2015 at 4:10 am | Reply Odette Stimburys

My most heartfelt congratulations, dear Robin. You must feel on top of the world. Keep well… and a very Happy St. Valentines Day to you both!
- on February 13, 2015 at 7:10 am | Reply Robin Ellis
  
  Thank you Odette; pareillement a vous!
on February 13, 2015 at 6:39 pm | Reply Donna

Robin, I’m so glad you got a good report. My son has Type 1 Diabetes, and I know I’m always so relieved, too, when he gets a good report.
- on February 13, 2015 at 8:30 pm | Reply Robin Ellis
  
  Best wishes to you both and especially your son, Donna.
  Sounds like he is lucky to have such an informed and caring mother.
  I hope the reports continue to be good.
  Robin
on February 16, 2015 at 2:27 am | Reply Elaine Adams

Bravo, good sir! Just goes to show what some well-thought nutritional maintenance and attention to detail can do to keep one healthy and hale. xoxo
- on February 16, 2015 at 7:01 am | Reply Robin Ellis
  
  Thanks, Elaine.
on February 17, 2015 at 3:02 am | Reply Rosemary

Good for you taking control of your health, sure wish my husband would be less stubborn. Also glad that you had good news!
- on February 17, 2015 at 7:16 am | Reply Robin Ellis
  
  Does he understand the consequences?
on February 27, 2015 at 10:13 am | Reply Dawn

glad to hear you got the all clear,I took the liberty of using your positive attitude as an example to my husband, who was diagnosed just after Christmas,with good effect.He is now stable ,lost /losing weight and is clear about how to look after himself,I’m pleased to say.
That is one thing less to worry about for me,having had some personal tragedies recently. ( my dear mother passed away,dad had a stroke a month after and is now in a care home,with concurrent social service complications, my lovely son Ross…yes you guessed it,..lost his gorgeous girlfriend to kidney failure,and I am awaiting a cardio appointment!!! All since October !Things can only get better in March!)

take care Ross,and keep up the good work with the cookbooks,they are great
- on February 27, 2015 at 1:54 pm | Reply Robin Ellis
  
  Thanks Dawn–and congratulations to your husband.