You all rock, in a big way. (And the one knitting a prayer? You know who you are. You are a blessing.) And a whole bunch of you expressed indignance and/or shock that Mom’s still with this particular doctor. The best I can do is directly quote Em’s comment, who was spot-on:
“I have no idea what’s wrong with you”? “I can’t help you”? Are you sure she’s a doctor? Is there a place to register some sort of legal complaint against this woman? Because I assume that the reason little mama hasn’t switched doctors is due to the way our nation’s health care is set up, and this is all entangled with insurance, which then means maybe that complaints won’t do anything. Still, it’s bullshit. Bullshit. Thank god the ER people know their jobs and helped her.
That’s exactly it. The way she’s locked into this particular health plan means she HAS to see this terror of a doctor. It’s a small area, and the only other doctor that’s possibly available to her apparently works in a migrant-health clinic, and Mom hasn’t had any luck tracking him down. But I’m pleased to say that she saw the nurse yesterday, who was great and helpful and smart. The little mama swears she’ll never see That Doctor again, not if she can help it. She’s going with the nurse, all the way. Yeah.
I know I had more things to write about but now I can’t think of them. This is why you shouldn’t put off blogging because you’re comfy on the couch and don’t want to reach for the computer. And damn it, I’m just now remembering that I left some feta/spinach pizza in my fridge that was supposed to be lunch. What that means is I’m fishing in my brain for the Forgotten Things and coming up with the wrong ones. Shoot.
One thing I remember. Go see Marcia. She summed it all up in her Wednesday post.
And I’m going to write today. Really write. Okay? Hold me to it. I’m back in the saddle.
Nurses rock. Glad she’s got a good one.
Rachael, I’m so sorry to hear of your Mom’s plight. My husband’s whole family has complicated health problems and, like, homicide-inspiring doctor stories. It’s so great that she has you. I hope you guys can find her the care she needs. 🙂
That kind of condescending attitude from doctors just makes me grind my teeth! I was where you are last year, with Grandpa, as he found he had cancer and was dying. To cut a long story short, I ended up firing his medical staff and finding new dr’s. If you want any advice or a shoulder to cry on, let me know! I will say that if your hospital has a patient advocate, they can be a wonderful resource. Don’t hesitate to call them.
Hugs,
A
Where shall I begin….rants against doctors and homophobic political sites and howling cats…oh my! What you NEED is to learn to spin cashmere. I will not rest until my mission is accomplished…bwah ha ha….but in all seriousness, the world could use a LOT of handspun cashmere.Round up all the incompetent docs and politicos and drop a handspun cashmere net over ’em… There’s plenty of love to go around, grab you some and write on!
I just visited the homophobe site to make my vote. The results have changed to 47% in favor vs. 53% against. Not too bad considering the nature of that site. I guess the waves of “My Glass House” readers are making a difference. 🙂
I also join the others in sending my prayers and best intentions for your mom and family. Hope all turns out well.
Oh, sweetie, youknow my heart’s with you.
You write some. That’ll help.
Oh, and the Jam is GREAT! Whee!
Yeah, patient advocate, like Alissa said! That’s what I was thinking of when I was talking about complaints and puts it in a more positive light.
So glad the nurse helped. Nurses do rock. Except the ones that are rather brutal–and I’ve had my share of those.
Mmmmm….spinach/feta pizza. Now I’VE forgotten what I wanted to say.
Rachael, I know exactly what you are talking about. Went thru it twice, with Skips beloved parents. I get the feeling that once you’re over 60, you become cattle, and money producers to some doctors. Scary. We’re 53. I’m so glad you are there for little mama, she needs your loving advocacy. (Not to mention the verbal “assistance!”
Bren in Brighton, CO
Excellent work helping out your mom like that. Go you!
I’m glad little mama has a nurse to at least be of some help. The health care system here in the US is abysmal. My parents have to go to Canada (thankfully we only live 8 hours drive or so away) to be able to afford some of their exams. Exams that you think the US would supply because if people got cancer or heart disease it would cost a ton to the insurance companies to care for them, I guess they are banking on people dying before they have to provide them service. I wonder if there is some way that you can complain about this doctor. Its unethical to treat patients in that way. Sometimes it only takes one person to get the complaints rolling and others may roll in and something might get taken care of.
My thoughts are with you and little mama. I hope everything turns out ok for her.
Hi Rachel
Wow…I was reading back about your mom…and know what you are going through. I went through that with my dad. After a while of his Dr. guessing what was wrong with him, I took him to a holistic Dr. and within a month most of his problems went away and have not returned. Sometimes it is the secondary providers that can offer and give the most help. Hope your mom is doing well.
Well I’m intrigued… what are you writing? Maybe you mentioned it in another post — it’s been a while since I visited. I’ll go check around for it. :o)
Sorry to hear about your mother. I am glad she found a great nurse — they make ALL the difference in the world.
Nurses DO rock. My mom was one, my aunt was one, and Bill’s mom was one. Three cheers for nurses! And for Little Mama, too. (And her foul-mouthed daughter!)