I just spent the past 2 hours looking for a piece of paper. An important piece of paper with the results of a test I had to do 3 years ago and have to repeat again next month. In France, you get your x-rays, lab results, etc and then you are supposed to keep track of them for any follow-up appointments. In theory, I like this control over my medical history. In fact, I stuff all these pieces of papers in a closet that also includes 10 years worth of children's art work and 7 years worth of photos that I have not put in any sort of album.
This morning's search yielded a few treasures: an old stamp collection, old resumés (in the garbage bin now) and some old drawings by my Dad mixed in with those by my girls. In a way, he was the reason behind my search this morning. He died of colon cancer a little over three years ago which puts me (and my siblings) at a higher risk for the same. Depending on the results of our first test for the disease, we have to get tested every 3-5 years. I pulled a 3, and my siblings, a 5. (just reminding you guys, in case you're reading this :)
This is not a fun test to do, in French or in American. I don't think this is a fun test to do in any language. But I am thankful that this kind of preventive testing is completely covered by my health insurance here. I am also thankful that in France, they knock you out for this test. And it is also a good thing that I found my results from 3 years ago. Because in France, they are sticklers for details like that. They love paperwork. You must have your paperwork. You can not advance to GO without your paperwork...And now I am off to make an appointment for that dreaded test.
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5 comments:
I think I know what you are talking about. Good for you for having it, I know it's not pleasant but could save your life! (Just recently they found cancer in a very early stage in one of G's aunts that way and were able to take care of it immediately, so that she is FINE! She is so glad she had it done.)
Same thing goes here for the paperwork. And I am always looking all over for it too! Now, if I only had a big old American filing cabinet!
Your filing system sounds like ours. I'm so used to the UK NHS where you never get to keep any of your records, that I'm totally unprepared to keep track of ours now we're here. They hand over the X-rays and everything here.
Good luck with the test. It sounds unpleasant but worth it.
Good for you for getting your check-up.
I've got radios and results scattered all over my office. Whenever I have to find one to take with me, it's always a panic.
Hope all goes well.
my brother gets tested every year, it's a bad one that's treatable when found early. thank god for such tests...
What a relief to know we share the same filing system. I always show up to the doctors with a long face and a "je ne sais pas..." regarding all those papers they LOVE, CHERISH, and can't live without (like wine).
Thanks for the reminder to all of us, about getting this important test.
I am two years behind on one of these exams, after my mom had a double mastectomy (sp?), and (since we've moved...) I don't know where the results are from the last test. I think I'll finally get cracking today... merci encore for your post and best wishes to you for continued bon santé.
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