Wednesday morning 7:47 AM. .........

.....and I join the queue of people outside the Doctor's surgery. Already there are 11 people in front of me and the surgery does not open until 8:30.

I am not used to doctors. This is probably my first visit (apart from regular routine blood tests conducted by the practice nurse) in 10 years.

I have a severe pain in my leg. Internet research forces me to conclude that it is either Deep Vein Thrombosis or Gout! I do not relish either prospect but I am experienced enough to understand the folly of self-diagnosis via Internet.

Which is why I am here, standing in the cold, at this unholy hour.