Full transition to Doujin Hospital

We’ve fully transitioned to Doujin Hospital｜Mother and Two’s Hospital Visit Diary

Today, we went to Doujin Hospital with a referral letter from the university hospital.
With this visit, both my mother and I will be fully transferring to Doujin Hospital.

■ Already Crowded from the Parking Lot

Upon arriving at the hospital, the parking lot was full.
The attendant said, “It’s crowded today, can’t be helped~. You know that vacant lot over there, right?”
When I asked, “Oh, the place that recently became vacant?”

“That’s the staff parking lot, but you can park there today.”

We gratefully parked there, but the place already felt crowded from the morning.

■ Waiting Room Also Packed

After checking in, I headed to the waiting room and, sure enough, it was packed.
My mom had already secured a seat for me, so I could sit down, but the younger people seemed to be waiting standing up.

I thought, “This is going to take a while today…” but surprisingly, they called us right on time for our appointment.

■ Mom’s examination: A mild cold, but prevention is key

First up was Mom’s checkup.
She said she felt “a bit under the weather,” but after checking her throat, pulse, and using the stethoscope,

“Let’s prescribe some gargle and see how it goes.”

The symptoms were mild, and it seemed more about prevention.

This emphasis on “prevention” would later make perfect sense.

■ My Checkup: Cough Asthma and Blood Pressure Adjustment

Next was my turn.
My asthma cough had worsened due to recent temperature swings, so I’d increased my inhaler to three times a day. I reported this result.

When I said, “After increasing it, the cough stopped,” the doctor nodded in agreement.

Then, while reviewing the referral letter from the University of the Ryukyus Hospital I’d handed at reception, I explained my medical history to the doctor.

The university hospital’s referral note stated:

• Blood pressure slightly elevated
• Request consideration for medication adjustment

Consequently, my blood pressure medication was increased by one step.

With this, both my mother and I officially began ongoing treatment at Doujin Hospital.
We’ll only need to visit every three months going forward, which is a bit reassuring.

■ Both the Cashier and Pharmacy Were Extremely Crowded

After the exam, heading to billing, it was the time when patients from Internal Medicine, Orthopedics, Urology, etc., all gathered at once, so it was extremely crowded here too.
There was nowhere to sit, so I waited on the long bench between the X-ray room and the elevator.

Glancing ahead, I saw this sign in front of the elevator:

“Due to a major influenza outbreak within the prefecture, please refrain from visiting.”

Ah, so that’s why the doctor prescribed gargle medicine for my mother… I understood.

■ Eddie payments end next month

At the cashier, I said, “Please process this with my mother,” and selected Eddie payment.

“You can use Eddie payments until this month, but they won’t be available starting next month,”

they informed me.
It was convenient, so it’s a bit disappointing, but if it’s a rule change, there’s nothing to be done.

■ Tomato Pharmacy Also Crowded

Two pharmacies line the street outside Doujin Hospital. I went to my usual spot, Tomato Pharmacy.
Only one person was waiting when I entered, but after I checked in, the crowd swelled rapidly—so much so that there were no seats left here either.

As usual, I chatted with the pharmacist while they checked my condition, then received my medication and left.

■ Mom was completely wiped out after getting home

After eating lunch and getting home, Mom immediately said, “I’m tired, I’m going to take a nap,” and went to sleep.
It seems the crowds left her feeling exhausted.

It was a long day for me too, but I was relieved that the full transition to Doujin Hospital went smoothly.