Necessary Mutilation

I am writing this as it’s unfolding, for both accuracy’s sake and to vent feelings of rage and despair about how poorly I feel treated – this time by “D” at the Center.

Early this morning I faxed (see below) there, seeing as how well this appeared to work last week in reaching Dr. C — especially given the near-impossibility of reaching live people no matter what extension I push.

After 2/3 of a day without a word and following an anxious telephone call with my supervisor with both of us wondering if I needed to take a day off this week, I decided to follow up with a telephone call.

I left a message for the person the machine said handles blood work results and was told that “calls are returned within seven days” (!)

After arriving home early from work with increased anxiety about what would be in store for my work and personal life and still not wanting to wait another day to know — I called “D” who the machine said handles telephone calls from people already scheduled for surgery.

My initial delight at a human voice faded when I tried to preface the purpose of my telephone call by asking if she’d seen my fax, as this outlined what I needed to know.  She very curtly said that “we don’t take questions by fax” — to which I meekly replied that I had done so last week with good results and was unaware of this.  She then even more snottily rushed me along, saying that my primary would review my results with me.  When I protested that this appointment wasn’t until Wednesday, plus Dr. P specifically said it was he that needed to take special consideration of my kidney values - she said she’s have him call me when he got in — OK?!  No … could she perhaps just let me know if there was an elevation in my levels (as this was said to be the deal breaker) or fax them to me?  All too relieved she curtly said she’d transfer me to someone else who’d do that. No no - wait - not the point!  When I again tried to explain that I simply wanted a verdict about whether I’d have to set aside a second date (i.e., Thursday) this week because Dr. P said any elevation would make it too dangerous to do all the procedures in one day, she said:  “I don’t recall him having said that!” and “I don’t know anything about your bloodwork to know.”  Sigh.  Then could you please ask him (that’s the point).  Now she said she’ll page him and ask and have him get back to me.  Today?  Could she repeat herself any more rudely (”I SAID, he or I will call you right back, okay!”)

No, you didn’t!  In tears of frustration and feeling a profound distrust for and disgust with the system I find myself stuck with; while waiting to hear back, I fantasize about taking my business elsewhere; speaking my mind (after surgery!) and/or seeing to it that my journal is published.

Alas, in all fairness, “D” did call back minutes after, stating that “Dr. P was in receipt of your blood work, has reviewed it, and you are in fact all set to have everything done the day of your gastric bypass surgery. 

Now, was that so hard?!

My only remaining question was — what time should I report to the hospital - for which she said Sister’s Hospital would call me Friday or Monday to let me know.   I can live with that!  Geessh!