@#$%! Part III

After waiting six months for an appointment with a neurologist, I had my appointment cancelled at the last minute. I was kicked to the back of the line as if I were a complete newbie. This was on Nov 18. I was so frustrated that I requested to see a different neurologist from a different group on Nov 21. The doctor asked which neurologist I would like to see, and I provided a name. Two weeks later I received a call from my PCP saying that someone from the new neurologist’s office would be calling in a few days. I realized that it was unlikely anyone would be punctual so close to the holidays, so I didn’t panic when I didn’t hear anything right away.

On Thursday I felt that I had waited long enough and called my PCP to ask that they remind the neurologist to phone me. The woman who answered the phone said, “What? You would like an appointment?” Then she tried to rattle off the number of the doctor I refuse to see. No, no no! I told her that things had already been arranged with someone else. She put me on hold. “Oh, you were supposed to call them.” No I was not!!! Not only was I not to call them, I do not have their office phone number. She put me on hold again. Then she tried to give me the number for central booking where no one can answer any questions because they are only scheduling, not the office. I was so angry that the ball had been dropped yet again and I had this person trying to push the responsibility for it on me that I snapped. I yelled at her and told her that the information she needed is in the file and that she needed to go back, look it up and make things right. Then I hung up on her. (One thing I miss with cell phones is the ability to slam a phone.) Now I have to call yet again and try to talk to someone who has a clue.Is there something wrong with me that I am so exasperated? I know medical offices are shorthanded, but so is everybody. In spite of that, the garage fixes my car. The bank handles my money. Amazon ships my goods. UPS delivers my packages. Everyone else is managing to keep good records and perform their jobs. There is no excuse for this level of incompetence.

I have a feeling that I am never going to make it to see a neurologist. I am going to have a stroke first.

Ugh, not another “you” story. You’re so boring.

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My neighbor says that when her granddaughter visits, she can’t go to bed without her copy of Dream Our World with her. Aw, how sweet!

Dream Our World

If you would like to see what enchants this little girl, pick your own copy. Dream Our World and other fine gifts are available from my shop at L Bowman Studios.

@#$&*! Part II

In following up after Friday’s scheduling debacle, I decided approach my GP first. At a previous visit she had said that she might be able to expedite an appointment with a neurologist. The GP wasn’t in the office today, but she is expected on tomorrow. I left a message so that she has the opportunity to get the ball rolling even before I check in again.

I also brought up the idea of Evoked Potential Testing. I said that if she thought it might help with diagnosis – and was able to schedule it herself – I could have it taken care of before any neurological appointments. From what I’ve read, this is a pretty good test for determining whether someone has MS or not.

I also plan to request an additional appointment with a different neurology group. Then the two can compete to see who keeps their appointment first.

Oh my gosh, you are so boring. Just throw the ball already!

@#$&*!

I’m so angry I can’t see straight. I have been waiting six months for an appointment with a neurologist to find out what might be wrong with me. After being turned down for two jobs, I thought maybe it was fate’s way of telling me that I needed more information before promising an employer I could do X or Y tasks. This afternoon – Friday at 4:00 pm – I got a call saying that my appointment on the 30th has been canceled and moved to May. It’s as if I were a brand new patient moved to the back of the line instead of someone who has been waiting for six months (and nearly a year before that). It appears that my health issues will continue to be mine to figure out, because no one else can be bothered.

Mommy made me go for an angry walk with her, and now I’m pooped.

Pretty sure I’m going to call that doctor’s office Every. Single. Day. until I get the answer I want. I also plan to see if I can get a referral to someone out of network. Someone who can keep an appointment.