"Discomfort under my rt rib and round side from..."

I had been experiencing a sensation under my ribs and round the side from front to back which was discomfort at best and pain at worst for several weeks but after a fall the pain was worse and so I booked online to make an appt. I am nervous about seeing doctors or anything medical and avoid it until my fear of what might be wrong with me outweighs my fear of the visit. I attended the appt and told the Dr my symptoms.. I need not have been nervous. Dr was kind and patient and listened to what I had to say. I was asked relevant questions during which time I was beginning to feel put at my ease and then after a brief examination of my tummy and area I was instantly reassured that there was nothing untoward wrong. I am aware that I am very overweight and Dr politely, but firmly, advised me to do something to remedy this....we discussed my diet and my need to start/ increase my exercise. I knew this to be the case and had already started to change my lifestyle by reducing confectionary and increasing fruit and veg intake and short walks daily.

At no point during the session had I felt hurried or rushed and indeed had been given every opportunity to voice all my worries, fears and concerns over my health issues. I left the surgery feeling as though a weight had been lifted from my shoulders ( if not the rest of my body unfortunately).

For me, the reassurance that there was nothing serious wrong and the fact that the remedy was in my own hands was such a relief and the Dr had been both understanding and considerate of my concerns.