* 14 Well-being, Health, Medicine (p.5 of 6)
14.23 When you have a joint or muscle sore
My ankle is swollen. Listen <“I can’t walk. My ankle is swollen.”>
I twisted my ankle. Listen <“I twisted my ankle. Help me to wrap it tightly with a piece of cloth.”>
I sprained my wrist. Listen <“I sprained my wrist. I can hardly move the hand. I hope it’s not a fracture.”>
I pulled a muscle. Listen < – “How did it happen?” – “I was playing tennis.” – “You need ice and compression.”>
I strained a muscle. Listen < – “Yes, this spot is stiff and bruised. You need rest and medication.”>
14.24 When you have sleep problems
I can't sleep. Listen <“I can’t sleep. I need some antidepressant.”>
I have insomnia. Listen <“I have insomnia. I’m so nervous, I can’t fall asleep.”>
I'm always drowsy. Listen A “I am always sleepy.” <“I can’t perform tasks that require concentration. Nor can I drive a car. I am always drowsy.”>
I've been really sleepy. Listen <“I couldn’t do any work today. I’ve been really sleepy.”>
14.25 When you want to indicate for how long you have been sick
I've been sick for a week. Listen <“How long have you been sick?” – “I’ve been sick for a week.”>
This started a week ago. Listen <“Tell me when all this started.” – “This started a week ago.”>
I fell ill on New Year’s Day. Listen <“When did you first notice these symptoms?” – “I fell ill on New Year’s Day.”>
14.26 When you reveal important information about yourself to a doctor
My mother has this disease. Listen <“I believe that I inherited diabetes. My mother has this disease.”>
This problem runs in the family. Listen A “Many members of my family have it.” <“I have diabetes. It may be hereditary. This problem runs in the family.”>
I've had this before. Listen <“It’s not the first time that I contracted it. I’ve had this before.”>
I'm on medication. Listen <“I am on medication. Here’s the list of drugs I receive.”>
I'm allergic to penicillin. Listen <“I am allergic to some drugs. Particularly, I am allergic to penicillin.”>
I'm pregnant. Listen <“Doctor, I am pregnant.” – “OK. How many weeks? Is this your first pregnancy?”>
14.27 When you ask a doctor about a medical problem
Is it serious? Listen <“Well, you have diabetes type one.” – “Doctor, is it serious?” – “Yes, you have to take it seriously. But most people live with it until they are very old.”>
Is it treatable? Listen < – “Yes, it is. Let’s discuss our options.”>
Is it curable? Listen < – “Yes. There’re several methods to cure this disease.”>
Can it be cured? Listen < – “You’ve come to us at the right time. You are at an early stage yet. Your chances are good.”>
Is it malignant? Listen < – “I don’t know yet. We need to run more tests.”>
Can you do something about it? Listen < – “I’m going to send you to Doctor Smith for a consultation. He specializes in this particular area. We’ll make a decision after that.”>
Do I need surgery? Listen < – “Most likely you do. But it’s a common procedure these days.”>
14.28 When you describe a doctor's actions
The doctor told me to take two aspirins and call him in the morning. Listen < – “Hopefully you’ll get better by that time.”>
The doctor gave me something for the pain. Listen < – “I’m glad he did. The medicine should alleviate your suffering.”>
The doctor wrote me a prescription. Listen < – “I’m going to the pharmacy to get your prescription.”>
The doctor gave me a prescription. Listen < – “OK, let me order it for you.”>
The doctor took a blood sample. Listen < – “Obviously, he wants to see if the treatment has helped.”>
The doctor ran some tests. Listen < – “They will show how you are actually doing.”>
The doctor will have the results back in a week. Listen < – “Good. Then, we’ll make an appointment for you to see him.”>
The doctor referred me to a specialist. Listen < – “I hope there’s nothing seriously wrong with you.”>
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