I was at the drug store the other day picking up a prescription refill. It seemed busy there on a Tuesday morning. I was third in line. An older lady was being served. My throat is so sore she said, 'haven't you heard from my doctor about the prescription? I spoke to him yesterday, he said he would call it in.' (Now I am hoping she doesn't have Covid.) She apologized for being unable to hear very well and moved a bit closer to the pharmacist assistant albeit behind the glass barrier. The pharmacist assistant said there was no prescription yet. She asked some other questions. At this point the man ahead of me left his place in line. I looked behind me and the line had built to maybe 5 other people. Finally, they asked the older lady to pay for her other prescriptions. 'Tap here' said the assistant. The lady decided to insert her card. As she moved long, it was my turn at last. I had made sure to keep 6 feet away from her. My transaction was simple and quick thankfully.
While I was waiting I overheard an older man at another consultation counter. The pharmacist owner came over to answer his questions. The older man showed him his vitamin D reading. 'Is 56 low he asked.' The pharmacist said 'yes it is, but let me explain to you in an analogy.' 'I beg your pardon?', said the older man. 'Let me explain to you in an example. Say you want to gain 2 pounds, you would not go to McDonalds and eat burgers all week. (I am thinking that would work for me haha). It is a gradual process. So regarding your vitamin D level, listen to your doctor and build it up slowly. It is not a matter of increasing your vitamin D pills.' said the pharmacist.
It is all in a day's work, the pharmacies are like doctor's offices these days. People come along with many questions.
16 comments:
Pharmacists are always really good! They give good advice about when to take the meds etc. Hugs, Valerie
They have definitely turned into mini doctor's offices these days. Sure hope the lady didn't have and possibly expose you to Covid!
Wal-greens is always packed with people and so many behind the counter. Go to CVS and only one person behind the desk and no one waiting. Usually, they will just say ..if you do have a question, "Oh, you have to go online for that."
I'm glad you got through the line. Some very interesting questions.
Pharmacists are also allowed to do more and give more information these days. They were never allows to give injections now they are. So there are some good things and bad things. In this case too much of a good thing if there are long line ups.
Hi Christine! First, I want to thank you for coming over to Marmelade Gypsy and leaving a lovely comment. It's always wonderful meeting new bloggers.
You are spot on about the pharmacy. It's a little creepy being in a pharmacy line these days -- you just hope you aren't hanging by the next Covid case. I really appreciate my pharmacists -- especially when you take a lot of things and have to worry about interactions. But these days, being AT the pharmacy isn't really where I want to be! All the best -- I hope you stay well!
i enjoyed this - you tell nice stories.
I find pharmacists are so knowledgeable - they always know what to say when I'm asking about different medications or side effects - they are really helpful so I'm not surprised you saw people asking them lots of questions! Here we have an info line so that you can call from home, it connects you to a pharmacy anywhere around the state and they help you with your questions. It's good as it means you don't have to go out, and the last time I called with some questions about a confusing symptom from some medication the pharmacist wasn't sure so she looked it up and called me back 15 minutes later - with so much information for me that answered all my questions and more, it was great! :)
Hope that you are having a wonderful weekend :)
Away From The Blue
I would hate to hear all the stupid questions
I know here in United States there a shortage of pharmacy here in United States. One need to figure one or two days to get something filled.
Coffee is on and stay safe
My thoughts would have been the same as yours.
I think Pharmacists are often unsung heroes. They are a wealth of information and always so helpful when I need answers or advice.
Have a lovely weekend. x
Thanks sandy.
Uy lo peor es que si pasa. Te mando un beso
The same with us! It is difficult to get to a doctor, you have to consult a pharmacist.
interesting story about old lady and older man dear Christine
pharmacists are considered Godsend here specially when people from close villages come to see doctor but sometimes they have to visit pharmacists to get needed medication and return quickly ,it is due to increasing rush in clinics where it is hard for patients to arrive early enough to get entry slip for check up ,i feel sorry but good that pharmacists are great help though only if condition of patient is not critical .
Our insurance has changed to prescriptions by mail except for those that are needed immediately. It worries me that they won't be as diligent with letting you know about possible drug interactions and side effects. That's why we always used the same pharmacy.
Nice post.
Our local Pharmacist is always so friendly and helpful.
All the best Jan
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