Tips:
- The walk-in part of this clinic was smooth and fast. I went on a Thursday afternoon and there was one patient ahead of me.
- If you want to book an appointment, you need to be a regular patient. You'll be assigned a family doctor after going through a screening session.
- You want to enter through the main doors on the right. It's next to the eye clinic and McDonald's
I have been thinking about getting a different family doctor. Even with an appointment, I can spent up to three hours at the doctor's office and I'd say that 85% of the time, I am waiting.
A few days ago, I had stomach issues. Bloating. Dull pains. It was all new to me. I decided to seek out a walk-in clinic and found Jack Nathan Health, which is in Walmart. I figured out later that it was next to the eye clinic.
I called the clinic. I asked about walk-in versus appointment. An appointment requires declaring yourself as a patient who has a family doctor here. The first step is to have an initial consultation with a doctor. After you have a family doctor, you can set up appointments.
The first consultation was the end of May. I needed to see a doctor soon, so I asked about the walk-in clinic. The nice woman on the phone said that I could come on over. It wasn't busy. Cool!
I parked closer to the Walmart food entrance. I had a longer walk over to the entrance where McDonald's and the eye clinic was. I found the health clinic and walked in.
A male patient was talking to one of the female staffers at the counter, behind plexiglass. One of them greeted me. I was new to this clinic, so I had to fill out a form on both sides after I had presented my health card.
The male overheard that I had just renewed my health card. He asked where I went to get mine done. I said at Service Ontario on Highway 7, west of Markham Road, in a plaza with a Dollarama. He thought it was closed. Um, no. I was there last Friday.
I took out Google Maps. He couldn't place this Service Ontario. He finally asked if there was a No Frills. I pointed out that it was across the street from it and everything clicked. It helped that Google Maps has visuals.
He was nice. He thanked me for my help. I'm glad that I could help.
I filled out the two-page form. I sat briefly before I went into examination room 2.
The man that I spoke to was the only patient ahead of me. It was crazy how fast it was to see a doctor.
I got Dr Richards as my walk-in doctor. She was great listening to me and asking questions that would help her formulate my diagnosis. She had a calming presence about her.
I got to lie down on the examination table. Yep, she confirmed that I had bloating going on around my stomach. The pain was more sensitive on my left and around the lower part of my stomach.
I was diagnosed with a stomach ulcer. It was convenient being at Walmart because I could get everything I needed.
What I should do:
- Drink lots of water to stay hydrated
- Continue enjoying yogurt or take a probiotic
- Take Gravol for nausea
I haven't been nauseous so far. I got a prescription for antibiotics. They seem to have kicked in a day later and has reduced some of the acid in my system.
The doctor was great answering all my questions and explaining everything to me. I'd love to have her as my regular doctor.
I got a prescription. I picked it up at the main check-in counter at the clinic. I thanked both women and headed to the pharmacy to get Gravol. I went to my usual pharmacy to get my prescription filled.
I then got yogurt and drinks from the food section of Walmart before I left.
I am grateful for this clinic and how nice everyone was. I was pleased that I got a diagnosis and how to fix me. I hope that I feel better soon. In the meantime, I know where to get Gravol and yogurt.
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