More medical stuff

Last week we went to a local governmental office for our mandatory medical exam. Once upon a time I think this was used to identify tuberculosis patients. We gathered up and took all of our medical records showing all of our covid and other vaccines. Turns out they didn't really want any of that. A doctor who spoke English with an Italian accent took our blood pressure and asked if we had had all the normal childhood vaccines. He checked a lot more boxes than he had asked us questions for but it was all over and done with in a few minutes. Apparently we will need the certificate that they will be mailing us when it comes time to renew our visas next year. I'm guessing that the screening for immigrants from some countries may be more thorough than what we received. The only other person there that day for the screening was another American immigrant. We exchanged emails with him and saw him later in the week at an American Expats gathering. I also ran him to him at the Citadel one day recently; he was running, I was walking Bailey. 

Today, Tuesday, I had an appointment with a new primary care doctor. Clay made the appointment on Monday, online, choosing this one because of his availability (next day), proximity (easy walking distance), and his language skills (English). Clay came along and I'm glad he did because the initial sign in at the desk consisted of using a kiosk in the lobby to create and account and answer some basic questions, all of which were in French. It was very much like the self-check-in kiosks you see at airports. At least one of the front desk people also spoke English but it was nice to have Clay along to facilitate the computer sign in. 

I'm not sick but everyone needs a primary care doctor sooner or later. The main reason for the visit today was to get refills on my prescriptions. I came with at least a 90 day supply, but we will be reaching that mark before too long. It was quick and efficient. He took my medical history, my current meds, checked my heart, lungs, and blood pressure, and wrote prescriptions for 90 day refills on all my meds, vaccines, bloodwork, and a referral to a cardiologist, which I qualify for based on various risk factors. His English was nearly as good as my own and he had no trace of any accent. Oh, and the whole experience, without insurance, set me back a whole €30. It was even less than Bailey's vet visit, which was also a bargain. 

So far, so good. 

I've established a good routine with Bailey in the new apartment. We go out for about a half hour walk early each morning before I go to class. Mid to late afternoon I take her out again for a much longer hike and visit to the dog park. We can leave her crated in the apartment when we both go out together and she seems fine. She likes being able to look out the windows here and I think it may be helping her adjust to the street activity and sounds, although she's still not a big fan of it. We are doing more long-line walking in the park and I've even let her run free with other dogs on a couple of occasions. As long as someone is running and having fun, she's not going anywhere.

This handsome dog was good in the dog park and we ran into him on the trails today too. The owner said he's a wolf dog (25%) with the remainder being German Shepherd Dog and Malamute. 

The dog park is hit or miss for playmates. The best time seems to be the after work hours, early evening.

This German Short Hair Pointer was running around the big field, off leash, obviously looking for a playmate. His owner was in the center of the field just watching him run. I dropped Bailey's leash and let her go after him. He just ran huge circles around the field with her close behind him, both obviously having a great time.