I discovered yesterday that the man who holds the scientifically documented record for the longest period of time a human being has intentionally gone without sleep, not using stimulants of any kind, is called...

... Randy Gardner.

Which is interesting, because if I was randy, I don't think I'd want to sleep either.

Unfortunately I'm more inclined to feel tired all the time, so with that in mind, I went to the doctor's this morning for the result of a blood test I had last week. On 16th July last year, my GP asked me to go back in three months time to check if my blood cells are all white. I think she was working on the principle that if I lived that long, they probably are. So as I wrote here at the time, "if someone could remind me in October, I'd be grateful".

Obviously no one did. But on the bright side, the good thing about being three months late for an NHS appointment is that by the time you arrive, the doctor's just about ready to see you. And the news was worth waiting for. Apparently my white blood cell count is now approaching normal levels, and Lisa can stop thinking I've got leukaemia.

In addition, my doctor carried out an annual 'medicine review' of my ongoing prescription for Wee-Wee Time. It basically consisted of two questions: 'Does it seem to be working?' and 'Do you want some more?'. I answered yes to both, which appeared to be the right answer, as she instantly gave me another three months supply. I think the 'Just Say No' campaign had a point.

She then took my blood pressure and carried out a thorough examination of my heartbeat from both front and back (I don't think she knew where it was) before declaring that I'm the picture of health and unlikely to die in the near future. Although I don't think that's legally binding. To be honest, with the arthritis, prostatitis, aching feet and dodgy knees, if this is healthy, I'd hate to be ill.