Doctors do not like to be called into nursing homes on weekends so it was with some trepidation that the nurse-in-charge called the doctor-on-call last Sunday. It was the second day that Anthony had been in bed having suffered two falls. His blood pressure was very low, he was moaning with pain from constipation (a constant problem with Parkinson’s disease) and was extremely incoherent. I was very sad because it gave me a glimpse of what he would look like on his deathbed and I couldn’t seem to get rid of that thought.
After ringing the doctor, the nurse came in and told me he was coming but not happily and had hung up on her, so I was prepared for a bit of unpleasantness and was not disappointed! He strode in with the nurse, on his face a grimace of impatience, and shot questions at us none of which we could answer with any accuracy, which made him even angrier.
“Can he talk?” he snapped at me.
“Yes, well, usually, but not for the last couple of days,” I said. “You could try I guess ….”
“Mr Goyder?” he barked at Anthony.
“Ants, the doctor is asking you a question,” I coaxed.
Anthony looked at the doctor.
“How do you feel?” asked the doctor.
Without the slightest hesitation, Anthony said, “Most of the time, I feel very good, thank you.”
The nurse and I shared a jawdrop, then I cracked up laughing so hard that the doctor’s expression softened.
“You will feel you are here under false pretenses!” I gasped.
A few minutes later, after ordering blood tests and sending a report to our usual doctor (who is never angry!) the angry doctor spoke kindly to me, apologized to the nurse and left, after which she and I shared another laugh.
Anthony then lapsed back into incoherence except to say, “What a lovely man!”
jmgoyder 
How DARE doctors behave in this way!
Ha – but they do!
Soooo funny… certainly not that Anthony is unwell, but things were so tense, that you needed to somehow break through it in the only way that you could….. Diane
I was once asked by a dentist when calling him out for an emergency, if I could not plan things better…. after holding him still by the collar, I asked how much notice he needed before I had my next emergency…. I think he thought better off not answering that when he could see my obviously painful mouth… needless to say the treatment went off painlessly and without any further complaining on his behalf…
These professionals have quickly forgotten the Hypocritical oath, but rather consider their bank balances far more important than their patients… what ever happened to paying the doctor in chickens like the old days..?? Hell then he was please to come to your aid just so that he could get groceries….
Compassion is not part of the Medical Doctor’s long training, Julie, but I guess you already knew that. At least he had the grace to apologise (and was aware of his ‘ill temper’).
I do so hope Anthony is starting to feel a bit better.
He has my sympathy (being an IBS sufferer myself).
Your husband managed that perfectly, glad the doctor was a human being after all.
i needed a laugh tonight and this certainly made me laugh. how typical:) the part regarding seeing anthony in a way you can’t get out of your head hit me in a secret place that i may email you about when life gets a bit more manageable for us both.
sending love and hugs to you my friend
Good Man Anthony! He never lets us down. 🙂
After reading so many Anthony stories, I should have guessed Anthony would find a way to break the tension and make you laugh! I hope Anthony is doing better now. Have a wonderful weekend celebrating you mom’s birthday with your family.
Aww, good ole Ants for bringing you laughter, when you surly needed it. What an emotional day. A special hug to you. ❤
You have to hand it to Anthony, he definitely keeps you on your toes. I hope that he feels better. Hugs Jules xoxox
dealing with this with humour is the only way to get through–good for you Julie and good for Anthony for being able to call him on it!
Well done Anthony
You and Anthony are my heroes, Julie.