Just back from my annual eye test.
I used to drive ten minutes to our local town for the test with the phlegmatic and methodical M. Nguyen. He retired last year and as ophthalmologists are becoming a rarer breed I am lucky that Meredith’s doctor agreed to see me in a clinic close to Toulouse–albeit an hour and quarter drive from here.
The procedure hasn’t changed although the equipment on offer now makes for a less intimate relationship with your specialist, which may or may not be a plus.
This is what I wrote back in February 2011:
Eye Test–(15/2/2011)
Arrive–present my Carte Vitale (the card accessing the French health care system)–take a seat in the waiting room.
“Monsieur Ellis?
Put your chin on the strap please and place your forehead against the bar—look straight ahead and don’t move”.
The forced intimacy of doctor and patient is strange. As he leans forward and shines his special torch deep into my eyes, we are eyeball to eyeball. For a moment I feel like the Man in the Iron Mask, receiving a visit.
The short pause before he says–pas de diabetes [no sign of diabetes], is a bit nerve-wracking; on occasion I’ve caught myself crossing my fingers under the table—though I forgot this morning!
Phew-another year gone!
I learned early on, that managing Type 2 Diabetes involves more than watching what you eat—it’s really a head to toe job!
The villain sugar is a ruthless foe. It will take advantage of any weaknesses with alacrity, and insinuate itself into those vulnerable spots like eyes and feet if you drop your guard, causing damage that cannot be reversed….
Being tested has become part of life again. Just like schooldays.
I see Cyril for feet every three months and have a blood test to check cholesterol and glucose levels as often.
No big deal really—when your life depends on it.
Pas de diabete! Encore phew!
Less than 15 minutes after “the summons“, I had paid 27 euros for the consultation (to be reimbursed later), made an appointment for February next year and was searching for my car key outside in the cold.
Apart from the increased sophistication of the machinery the only thing different about today’s session was that I remembered to cross my fingers–still works!
Blood test next week for: blood sugar level, heart, kidneys, liver, blood pressure and prostate and Cyril for my feet.
No big deal really–if your life depends on it.
Robin Ellis 
Glad to learn that today’s results were good!
Now that I have turned seventy, those things are increasingly important. Good reports are to be cherished.
I had my blood work done last week.
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Sounds gruesome!
I waited 4 hours to see the doc who was going to perform sugery on my eye only to see him for 4 minutes and hear “See you on tuesday”.
So good to read that the results of your eye test were good. Wishing you all the best for the different tests next week!
Thanks, Renate.
Having only received my diagnosis last October this is all still a bit new to me. Had my first retinopathy last Friday and received the ‘all clear’ today. No-one has looked at my feet yet , so something to look forward to !
Good to hear you are on the case–courage!
Happy for you that your results are good. I too had my eye check-up in December. Results good except Dry eye condition in right eye. Otherwise good. I too have Diabetes 2. Now 81.
“Otherwise good”–hope I’m the same at 81. Well done!
Best of luck on your physical. I always say a prayer before any medical tests (my way of crossing my fingers). My eye diagnosis is age-related macular degeneration (previously called senile macular degeneration—very offensive I thought). It has been stable for the last few exams but I hold my breath each time I go.🙏🏼 Reading is difficult after half an hour or so, but otherwise I am still functional. If it gets to a certain point I will need the dreaded shots in the eye.
Once a certain age is reached we have to expect health surprises!
You are right–it happens as we get older. Sounds like you are taking care.
So happy for you that your eyes remain unaffected by the DM. That’s a pretty impressive run, as at least here in the US, it’s unusual that diabetics generally sustain retinal damage eventually after so many years. As a doctor once told me, keep doing whatever it is you are doing, because it works.
A TAIL TO TELL:
The closest I’ve gotten to diabetes is one of my cats, Daisy, who has since crossed the Rainbow Bridge, had the disease necessitating daily shots of insulin. Back then my NYC pharmacy discount family program, remarkably and thankfully, accepted her as a family member even though I explained she was a CAT so the insulin and needles were easily affordable. At the time, I never thought of having her eyes or paws checked, however we do have cat ophthalmologists here in NYC now though not sure if there are any cat podiatrists.
You were very caring. I bet there are podiatrists for cats. Pawdiatrists rather!
In 2009-2010 I developed rheumatoid arthritis and had to go on sick leave for six months. Rheumatologist put me on serious meds with scary side effects if taken long term (according to my pharmacist). I am a spiritual person and chose to meditate instead and somehow I just knew I was going to be cured. Today my blood tests show no markers to indicate I ever had RA.
Remarkable–long may you stay RA free.Well done.
Thank you for sharing. Great inspiration to us mortals struggling to keep weight, blood sugars and cholesterol low. I bought your cookbook and it has really encouraged me to cook and look after myself. Thank you. X
Very happy to hear that. I hope you enjoy it.