Red Tape

Hey Everyone,

I'm still hanging in there. Saw doctors yesterday and they basically told me to be patient, much help that was. I have been feeling a bit better though and getting used to these body changes.

Anyway, this post is more of a rant. You see, I'm at the age now where I'm supposed to see adult doctors and not children's anymore. So I have to go to a whole new area with all these new protocols and whatnot. Here I am yesterday, anxious to see my doctor. I got there extra early just because. However, I still got to my appointment late because of all this red tape run around! All these insurance questions, how am I going to pay, I need a new card, I have to get this letter, go to this room, talk to that person, go back to the room you started with, tell them this, go get that. I mean, come on! I'm sick, I want to see my doctor! And it's not like they're nice about it. I can understand how their job can get hectic and that you're probably dealing with sick cranky people all day, but that should be part of the job training. It's like a little smile and courtesy wouldn't hurt. Nice people would make the runaround a little better.

Then when I finally got to see the doctor, she told my blood pressure was high. I wonder why!

Welcome to the world of Adulthood!!!! Just kidding, but things do change a lot. Once you get settled it'll be much easier. Hopefully your doctor was likable and will be able to transition your actual medical treatment much more easily than all the paperwork b.s. Hang in there,

Hi Melissa,

So sorry you had such a rude intro to the new doc's office. I hope it smooths out for you. How did you feel about this new doc after the appointment was over??? Did he answer your questions, talk to you for a few minutes???

I carry a checkbook-sized calendar which has a month per page. Every doctor appt. is in that book pus a little note with each including things like: for hip pain (or whatever), $15.00 deductible paid, started methatrexate rx, go for sinus xray, etc. Now I have about four years in one little check-book-sized cover that gives me all my medical info for insurance, doctor bills, and other doctor appointments. I refer back to it often and it really helps me keep track of things. I only use that calendar for my medical stuff.

I hope you'll keep us updated.

Blessings!

I've starting doing a similar thing Rosie. I'm keeping this little journal where I'm putting down everything that happens to me and everything the doctor says. I think it's a good idea. I've realized when you go to the doctors they just have all these questions and it's hard to remember every little detail.

As for the doctors, they're nice so far. I've met them already when I was in the hospital and these are follow up visits. I like them, however, they just don't have much answers yet. They're really very nice, but I have this feeling that they're holding back some information, maybe because I'm young and they don't want to worry me. I was on cellcept, but I just got a call this morning to stop it because they said my blood platelet count is too low and that I should up my dose of prednisone and go back to give more blood on monday. I'm trying my best to be patient.

Perhaps a part of the rude-ness I experience is a New York thing. I thought about it and realized that it's not just the hospital thats like that, but basically everything I deal with everyday. It's just annoying to have to do it when I'm sick and anxious.

Thanks for the responses everybody.