A Doctor’s Dilemma

I was panting for breath as I entered the doctor’s cubicle. The place was the Medical Inspection (MI) Room on board the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, where I was serving for my sea acquaintance after joining the Navy! Every year one had to undergo a mandatory medical check up to ensure the physical fitness and the report would go back to the headquarters to update the personal record.

The doctor was dressed more like a belle dancer, as I walked in the cabin after a knock. He was sipping coffee and motioned me to sit down and gather my composure, as he quickly got dressed.

He was a qualified pilot to fly on board an aircraft carrier besides being an expert in Aviation Medicine! After a few quick checks he asked me to lie down and reached for an aneroid sphygmomanometer to measure the blood pressure. After making me wear the pressure bandage he went ahead with the procedure. After two attempts he asked me if I had run, as he found BP to be on the higher side. I confirmed that I had run down the flight of steps on an almost vertical gangway to reach the place. He asked me to lie there for another half an hour till he returned.

This time he once again repeated the process and said that he was not happy to see the result and directed me to take ‘Calm pose’ tablets before sleeping and advised me to come after three days.

Three days later I showed up again and the doctor went about the procedure and stood transfixed!

He asked ' do you drink’?

‘No sir’ I replied instantly without batting an eyelid

‘Tell me about your daily routine and also what you eat’ he continued.

‘Sir. I get up at 5 AM then go for a jog and exercise for almost an hour, have the regular breakfast, follow the ship’s routine, have lunch, in the evening I go out for a long stroll before I hit the sack’ I replied

‘Do you smoke’? He queried one more time.

‘No sir, I don’t touch cigarette’ I said a little impatiently.

‘Damn it! Then start drinking and smoking’ he growled as he signed my medical document in desperation, declaring me fit.

PS-1. Image Kind Courtesy Google

      2. I will be taking a two week break and will try to catch up as and when possible:)