I was always told not to write/call/yell while you're still upset. I don't think I'm completely over it yet, but it has been a few days since this happened, and I can't be the only one who has gone through this.
I hate going to the doctors. I've spent way more time there then anyone should ever have to. So when I call to make an appointment, I expect to get an appointment. This, however, is what happened:
Receptionist: Hi, this is "...", how can I help?
Me: I need to get an appointment this morning or at the latest this afternoon.
R: Ok, what do you need to be seen for?
M: I've been having issues with my asthma for a couple days and can't get it back under control.
R: Well, it looks like your primary has left us, I can't get you an appointment until you can come in and meet a new primary so they can go over your chronic illness before you can get an appointment.
M: OK, can I do that today?
R: No, I can't do that until Monday.
M: OK, so I can't wait that long, I need to be seen today.
R: Well, maybe you should head to the ER or Walk In clinic and if you would figure out a primary so this doesn't happen again that would be better.
M: Wow, thanks. OK. I guess that's what I'll have to do. *click*
Seriously!? I just wanted an appointment. Do you realize how much more an ER visit is?!?!
So, I suck it up and go to the walk in clinic. Which I have visited once before and the doc there was amazing, so I had high hopes. I walk in, it wasn't busy, maybe 2-3 people in the waiting room. I get called back in about 10 mins and wait hardly 5 for the "doc" to come in.
First impression: I should have gone to the ER.
She was a middle age woman, not a young thing, not so old she scared me. However, she looked at me and said, "Oh, so you have a cold?"
M: Yes, a cold... I actually can't breathe and have been having issues for a few days.
Yes, I have a nebulizer at home and have used that but it doesn't last more then an hour.
D: and your allergies? they acting up? (did you hear my mention of asthma and not breathing?)
M: Yes, for a couple days now and they went from clear to yellow goop (TMI, I know!)
D: Well, I like to tell my patients to suck it up for 10-12 days and hope this runs it's course
M: I don't have 10-12 days, I can't breathe now
D: Well, let's have a listen ---- I don't hear any wheezing so you're obviously breathing
(My 02 was 93-94...!)
M: I'm tight, my back hurts, I cough - I know when I can't breathe, I've had this for almost 30 years, I know my body!
D: Well, I'll give you some prednisone - but only take it if you need it, and some antibiotics for your "COLD"
(she did the air quotes every time she said "COLD" to me! Air Quotes! What kind of a doctor
does that?! I wanted to just punch something!)
oh, and how about some cough syrup with codeine so maybe you'll calm down and we can get your heart rate down
(which I'm sure by this time has gone up even higher from when the nurse took it at the beginning!)
M: Great, thanks a lot.
D: Oh, and you have Lupus as well as asthma?
M: yep
D: OK, stop by the desk on the way out.
And that's one more reason I hate walk in clinics. It's more like cattle being pushed through a line and drugged up. They don't care what's wrong, as long as you don't die and they don't have to deal with you any longer then 10 minutes or so.
Is it just me that deals with this? I am sorry I don't have a primary, but she had literally just left the area and I hadn't even been informed of her departure yet, so how was I to know? So now, I get to set up a fun "meet and greet" with a new doctor and pay for a visit just so he/she can get to know me and my "chronic illnesses" so the next time I need an appointment I can actually see a real doctor who may actually care and listen to me. Fun times.
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