You will see that there is an example that has been done for you. On this occasion only, the conversation relating to this will be played first. Hello, this is Medical Help Direct.
How can I help you? Oh, hello. I've got a problem with my back, and with it being the middle of the night, I can't go to the doctor. And I wonder if you could give me some advice.
Certainly. But first, can I have your telephone number, please? It's 03786-439251. The man's telephone number is 03786-439251.
So, 03786-439251 has been written in the space. Now we shall begin. You should answer the questions as you listen, because you are recording a second time.
Listen carefully, and answer questions one after the other. Hello, how can I help you? Oh, hello. I've got a problem with my back, and with it being the middle of the night, I can't go to the doctor.
And I wonder if you can give me some advice. Certainly. But first, can I have your telephone number, please? It's 03786-439251.
Okay. And if you could give me your first name, please? Robert. And your surname? Rydyard.
That's R-I-D-Y-A-R-D. And now your address, please? It's 27 Station Road. Okay.
Moortown. And do you need the postcode? Yes, please. D-P-17-5-H-J.
And your date of birth? The 25th of February, 1975. Fine. Now I just need to take details of your doctor.
She's called Dr. Craven. And the surgery? It's Moortown Health Centre. Thanks.
Now, can you tell me a bit more about what the problem is? Well, like I said, it's my back. Okay. Can you tell me which part of the back? Lower.
And have you had any problems with your back before? Yes. I had a bit of trouble last year, in June, I think. Or was it July? No, we went on holiday at the beginning of July, and it had cleared up by then.
And when did it start this time? Has it just come on? No, I've had it, let's see, since Monday, so that's three days now. But it wasn't too bad at first. I mean, I could just about get around, though.
I couldn't drive the car or anything. Then this afternoon, the pain suddenly got so bad that I went to bed. I've been to bed since, but that hasn't helped.
And do you have any pain elsewhere? In your stomach or abdomen, for example? No. Before you hear the rest of the conversation, you have some time to look at questions seven to ten on page two. Now listen and answer questions seven to ten.
Okay. Now, have you any idea what caused the problem? Well, I was tidying up my office, and I lifted a box up from the floor that was heavier than I thought. And I think that's what did it.
Yes, it's easily done, isn't it? So you're in bed now? Yes. Have you tried applying heat to the back? Yes, I've got a hot water bottle. That's usually the first thing I try.
And have you taken any painkillers? Yes. And other than that, you feel quite well? I do, yes. Right.
Now, I can't diagnose or prescribe any medication, but I can offer you some advice. One thing you could do now is to see if ice makes any difference. That sometimes helps.
But don't put it directly onto your skin. Wrap it up in a towel or something. And don't leave it on for longer than 20 minutes.
Oh, right. I haven't tried that before. It can be useful sometimes.
Now, have you seen your doctor about this? No, I just thought, well, everyone has back pain. But I've never had it as bad as this before. I think you should go and see your doctor tomorrow.
And she may be able to give you something to help. OK, I'll do that. I'm actually feeling a bit better now.
Good. And you might get some advice from her about exercise. That's often the best way of dealing with this sort of problem.
OK, I'll ask her. Right. Now, if you're worried about anything before tomorrow, you can always phone back.
Our lines are open 24 hours. Thanks very much. That is the end of section one.
You now have half a minute to check your answers.