Waiting Over a Week for My Telemedicine Appointment

 Four months ago, I had an appointment with my pulmonologist. She did her exam. At the end of the appointment, I asked for my next visit to be scheduled as a telemedicine appointment. The request was noted. I was given an appointment time.

Last week, I called the day before my appointment to confirm the time and date. I also checked to make sure the appointment was a telemedicine visit. The receptionist said the appointment was scheduled as being in-person, but she could change it to telemedicine.

On the day of my appointment, I waited and waited. No one called me. I know the office is busy. They sometimes do not get to the telemedicine visits until late in the day. No one ever called.

Yesterday, I received a phone call from the doctor’s office. The person apologized for my late telemedicine appointment. The woman asked, “Are you available today to have a telemedicine visit?” I said yes. The appointment was scheduled.

Yesterday, I waited and waited. No one called.

I am not in need of having the appointment. I keep it just to stay on the books as a patient. I wonder when I will actually have the telemedicine appointment.

You know you are tired when…

Last week was extremely stressful and chaotic. It was supposed to have been a nice peaceful week, but a number of unexpected things came up, which turned my tranquil life into panic at the disco!

This next week will also very busy. I need to follow-up on things which happened last week—call doctors’ offices, look at test results, check with the pharmacy for a prescription, etc.

To say I am tired today is an understatement. I am completely wiped out! Since I have a lot happening this week, I thought I would tape my YouTube early in the week. Well, it is filmed, but watching the clips is rather hilarious. One segment I am slurring my words and do not make sense. Through the magic of editing, the audio is fixed.

This evening, I was trying to take my medicines. I had a glass of water. I went to take a drink and completely missed my mouth. I spilled water all over my pants.

Next, I needed to go outside to water my mom’s plants on the porch. I needed to take off my sweatshirt and put on my jacket. Instead of taking off my sweatshirt, I took off my pants. I did not realize what I did until I almost went outside without pants on!

Next, I conveniently “watered” my foot with the water hose. I had to laugh. At least my foot is now wet just like my legs are.

I came inside and went to bed. I think I am done for the day.

 

 

 

When a Doctor’s Office Cares

Since February, I have been in significant pain from an ovarian cyst caused by endometriosis. I have been trying to get medical intervention, but my efforts have yielded little fruit. I have been to the emergency department twice and have seen four different providers. And nothing has been done to get rid of my cyst, which continues to grow.

In desperation, I reached out to a clinic almost 400 miles away. The clinic has been fabulous. They are prompt in their communications and are very organized. My visit with the doctor is not scheduled until mid-August.

Today, I had a SEVERE pain attack from my ovarian cyst. I was shaking uncontrollably. Despite taking over-the-counter medicine for pain, the pain refused to let up. In my distress, I reached out to the clinic and explained I cannot wait to see the doctor. I am in so much pain.

A nurse has reached out to the doctor and is trying to get me a sooner appointment. She will let me know if I am able to see the physician earlier than my scheduled appointment.

I was left dumb-founded. After all this time, someone actually cares. Someone is trying to do something for me to help get this ovarian cyst resolved before it becomes a medical emergency. I pray I am able to get a sooner appointment, but if I can not, what a blessing it has been to find a doctor’s office with compassion.