She Calls Me Zlatíčko

Once a year I visit this place in Ostrava.

It's the office of my endocrinologist, located in a building that says it was built in 1896. At 119 years old, it's a rather new building around these parts.

But honestly, I never want to go there.

Since I only go once a year I always feel like it will be difficult because they don't really know me. Even though I've been going there for a long time.

But I go in and the nurse sees me. Her face lights up and she greets me by name, and then calls me her "zlatíčko", (sweetheart) about ten times while I'm there. I know she does it to others too, but it sure makes me feel more comfortable, and even brightens my day and makes me smile!

I edited the photo so you can't see her face, but trust me, it's a kind one!

I actually go twice a year, but in the same week: once at the beginning to have blood drawn, and then at the end of the week to see the doctor for my annual exam (I've had Hashimoto's for 24 years).

After the nurse has taken my blood, I'm not done yet. She puts the tube in an envelope (a recycled one at that), writes out a slip for the lab, and then hands it to me. I must now walk it over to the hospital that's just down the block.

I've done this so many times through the years that it's completely normal for me. But today it struck me that I don't think you do that in the States! I don't know if it's done by any other doctors here, for that matter. All I know is it's how it works with this one.

The lab is through those doors, and I just hand it to the nurse who happens to be in the hallway when I step inside. She asks if it's from my doctor (how she knows it's precisely from him, I don't know! Maybe he IS the only one who does it this way) and then takes it from me. And I'm done!

I leave the very busy hospital (it doesn't look like it from this photo but trust me, there were TONS of people inside, including a police car delivering a prisoner!). On the way out I note the addition to the name of the hospital on the side of the building. Do you see it?

I wonder who thought to add exclamation points to the hospital name?! I like it though!

On Friday I'll be back at my doctor for, most likely, a quick five minute appointment to tell me I'm doing fine. My levels haven't changed in twenty years. But maybe I'll get a few more "zlatíčko's" to last me for another year!