Feb 21 2009
My Pain Does Not Rate Importance With The Doctor?
Yesterday I went in to town with DH when he went to work. I needed to get some grocery shopping done and really needed to get out of the house too. As you know from my previous post, I didn’t get a lot of sleep on Thursday night and was very tired but it wasn’t anything that I couldn’t push through.
I spent some time at the computer lab on campus when we first got into town because really what else can one do at 6 am! Then I went to Safeway to pick up some items that they had on sale that we use. After that I went to Albertsons again to pick up some items that they had on sale that we use. Next I went to the dollar store to see if they had gotten anything new in, specifically pickles as DH loves them and they are like 1/3 of the regular price there. Catching the trend? Yup, I bargain shop. I try to save us money any way that I can especially on food. My next stop was Wal-mart to finish up the shopping and to get dog food. Well my hip and lower back started hurting so badly that I was limping along and almost in tears from the pain. I got what we absolutely had to have and got out of there without really getting everything. I just couldn’t do it. Not being able to do something as simple as the grocery shopping without being limited by the pain is just unacceptable.
I called the doctors office to check on the status of things. The nurse eventually called me back and said that they didn’t have the report yet. Actually that they weren’t even sure if the previous scans had shown up yet. But she strongly told me that the doctor didn’t think that this was anything major and that I needed to just be patient and that they would let me know when they knew something. I tried to tell her about the pain just from attempting to do the grocery shopping and she pretty much blew me off. I was furious when I got off the phone. I was so angry that I was on the verge of tears.
I don’t know where to turn. I don’t know what to do. This was the one doctor in Laramie that I had some faith in. The doctor that had diagnosed my PCOS and had always treated me with respect… There aren’t that many doctors in Laramie. I actually don’t know of another doctor that I would even attempt to see as I have heard just too many horror stories. There is one surgeon that I could call as I trust him, but what can he do for me in this situation. I probably will call his office on Monday and see if he can’t grease the wheels so to speak. The ER isn’t an option as the ER doctors are horrible from all of my previous experiences with them. National Jewish isn’t really an option as they are respiratory specialists, but I might try to call my Allergy/Asthma specialist and GI specalist down there to see if they can help in any way. Maybe they can recommend a doctor down in Denver that they think could help. I just don’t know at this point.
I am frustrated. I am angry. I am in pain. I don’t know where to turn.
OH! I hurt with sympathy. Don’t let the office phone answerer get away with it. All patients (all people) deserve respect. She’s just a minor office person.
When you do see the doctor AFTER you have finished business with him, tell him about the experience you had with his office. The doctor usually doesn’t have a clue what’s happening there.
I’m fighting fierce shoulder pain. It hurts to type. I too am hoping it’ll get better soon.
Good luck with your doctor. If he doesn’t help, go to the next. Keep going until someone tells you what’s wrong and what to do about it.
Marilynne
http://womenoverfifty.today.com
I think your idea of calling one of the doctors you feel is a good doctor - even if he or she can’t personally do anything for your pain - and ask them to recommend someone is a good idea. I also agree with maxiegirl that you should let the doctor know how is receptionist treated you.
I really hope someone is able to get to the bottom of this soon.
I feel your pain. Your right about ER. Unless your bleeding they are not going to give you much attention. As someone who gets burning pain in her hips and thighs, I hope that you get some help soon.
I’m so sorry about what you are going through. Have you tried calling the doctor’s office and asking to have your doctor call you back instead of the nurse? Also, you might consider using the powered carts at Wal-Mart so you won’t strain yourself and end up in more pain. Take care!
Thank you everyone for the comments. Some of your suggestions are great! I also really appreciate the support that you lend me
How are you feeling today? I’m so sorry to hear you are going through this and then not getting answers… that is so frustrating and makes you feel so alone. I know.