This recording is part of the Medical English For You prototype series. Listen to the recording and follow the script below.
Dear Doctor,
I’m in Munich right now, recharging my batteries; as an old codger, I’m bound to have some health problems.
You might recall that I’m a type 2 diabetic. To be honest, my diet isn’t really ideal. I want to eat healthily, but my willpower’s not strong enough when I pass by a bakery. I’ve popped inside even before I notice. And when I try to be good and ask them for a loaf of wholemeal bread, I suddenly blurt out, ‘And a piece of apple pie, please!’
I know it’s wrong, but believe me, it gives me so much pleasure. And those ‘without added sugar’ ones result in the same sugar level readings! I read on the Internet that they’ve got some kind of syrup in them that makes them similar to normal cakes.
I’m telling you all of this as an introduction to my present complaints. My diabetic neuropathy is full-blown, I’m sorry to say. I have continuous pins and needles and numbness in both of my feet. It gets worse overnight. I’ve been sober for five years, by the way.
Should I try some vitamin B complex or increase the dose of venlafaxine?
Looking forward to your answer,
Andy Andrews
