Decorating my front door for the seasons makes me feel Swiss-ish. It isn't just winter decorations, spring/easter ones are popular, too. I bought this after a failed attempt to have coffee with some ex-pats this morning. You know that un-loved feeling you get when you turn up for something and no-one else does? Well, I didn't feel like that, since I haven't been for months, but I was a bit naffed off that I yanked myself out of bed at 7.45 this morning.
After a couple of cups of coffee I headed off to the Apotheke (pharmacy). They have a good system here- my doctor can write a repeat prescription which is good for a set period of time, and I just go back to the pharmacy to pick it up, no need to contact the doctor's surgery first. Once again, my German was trotted out. I bet the guy though 'Oh, not again!' when, in response to his 'Do you speak English?', I replied that I must try German first. There then followed a long and complicated discussion, in which I came to appreciate just how much of what we say is actually padding. Very long story short...after delving into his computer he agreed with me that the doctor had actually prescribed '1 to 2 tablets' of Melatonin. His first thought was that this could not possibly be correct and he looked really worried when I told him I had been taking two tablets at night since last Friday. Melatonin is the latest in recent attempts to sort my sleeping out. It occurs naturally in the body and is what sends us to sleep. You should have seen Dr L's face when I told him that the doctor in the US had offered me Ambien or benzodiazepines!! 'Oh, please don't do that!' he blurted out. Not to worry, a tranquiliser addiction is not what I need right now, so I had turned it down. In the UK it is very hard to get benzodiazapines on prescription. They are very useful in certain circumstances but their use is carefully monitored. So far the Melatonin seems to be helping.
We are supposed to be heading back to the UK on Friday to do our christmas shopping. Not sure if that'll be happening, given the weather in the UK at the moment. In the meantime, the snow looks very pretty from the comfort of my living room....I'm off to curl up on the sofa and read. Tchüüs.
If you DO head back, 1) be prepared for snow, the closure of many trains, a lack of taxicabs, and general misery; 2) you must let us know where you'll be, and do give us the opportunity to say, "hello!"
ReplyDeleteThe world of doctors is maddening.
Can you get the extended release Melatonin there? If you take a regular Melatonin plus an extended release one at bedtime, it helps you get to sleep and stay asleep until morning.
ReplyDeleteTrip to UK is off. Number Guy was heading out tonight, I was following on Friday. Apart from the fact thatbhis plane hasn't even left the UK yet, plus the factbthat his hotel doesn't actually have the room that he paid for..Etc..etc...means that it was all getting a bit silly. We hope to be in your neck of the woods earlyish next year and will definitely be in touch for a chat/coffee.
ReplyDeleteGlobal Librarian.....the tablets are slow release...thank goodness. Ear.y days (or should that be nights?) but I am hopeful.
ReplyDelete