Back at home now. Little “h,” that is. The drive was again non-eventful, except for the howling of the cats. They’ve been so good for the past few trips, but last night’s drive really upset them. And it didn’t end when we got home: Digit spent most of the night up and growling at the windows until I lost all control and put him out at midnight, raccoons and possums bedamned. Then I worried and got up at half-hour intervals until four when he deigned to come back in, muddy and self-satisfied.Then I was up at six for work.
Yawn.
Mom’s feeling a leetle better, though tired and wobbly-pinned. She’s been newly diagnosed with hypoglycemia, which has been making her shaky and ill. She had to make an emergency room visit right before I went home, and they’re the ones who actually diagnosed this particular problem. Not her doctor, oh, no. That would be too easy. (Have I mentioned how much I abhor her doctor?) So armed with multiple test results, she was supposed to see her doctor today, FINALLY, after an agonizing, sick, three week wait.
The office called her yesterday at 5:03pm to tell her, oh, you’ll actually be seeing a nurse tomorrow, not the doctor. Mom was so flabbergasted she could only gulp and say okay. When she told me what they said, I pitched a fit and made her call back to find out the reason for the switch. But they’re canny. That’s why they call AFTER five o’clock — the phones roll right to the answering service.
Bastards. Fuckheads.
(I told Mom that’s why daughters are good at taking care of their mamas: They can do all the swearing that the mama doesn’t want to do.)
Close your ears.
fuckers fuckers fuckers.
fuckers.
That’s okay, that doctor has NEVER done anything for Mom. She folds her arms and says, over and over, “I don’t know what’s wrong with you. This is not my field. I have no idea how to help you.”
This is her primary care doctor, mind you. The nurse she’ll be seeing today has actually helped her in the past, giving her advice and diagnoses and referrals, so that’s something. It’s just the principle. Ya know?
Deep breath.
Mom felt well enough yesterday to go with me to the movies. We went to a matinee of Calendar Girls. Delightful little movie, and Helen Mirren was a hoot. But what was a bigger hoot was the audience. Arroyo Grande, where my parents live, is quite the retirement area. And they were ALL at the movie yesterday. Mom and I were the youngest there. I walked in with my popcorn and had to search the sea of white heads to find my mom’s waving arm. There must have been a hundred and fifty seniors packed into the stadium seating. One nursing home had come in a large bus.
And those seniors? Worse than teenagers. They hooted and hollered and yelled at each other. Cell phones going off all over the theatre. It was hysterical.
Now it’s my Monday. But it’s probably your Friday, so congrats! You made it!
Ok, maybe this is a dumb question … but why doesn’t your mom get a new doctor? Remind your mom that her doctor works for her … and that if your mom isn’t getting what she needs then it’s time to fire her doctor’s ass. or you can fire her ass 😉
the doctor’s ass, not your mother’s ass. because you can’t fire your mom … not that you would want to… um … ahh .. i should just stop posting comments on people’s blogs and get back to work .. bye
Oh Rachael, I really hope your little mama feels better, and gets some answers, soon. The doctor thing is just outrageous.
You don’t know me, but this is such a hot button issue for me that I feel I have to post. My mother’s crummy primary care doctor told her that she just had indigestion, and by the time they figured out what was wrong it was very late. Also, it took me an entire year to figure out what was wrong with me, and it took lots of advocating for myself. (I have rheumatoid arthritis.) So, keep at it, and good luck!
Can your mother get a new doctor? The primary care physician sounds completely worthless!!! Idiot. At least she got her hypoglycemia figured out. She is going to have to carry snacks around with her!
“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.
I kinda want the pink cardigan Helen Mirren’s wearing in the movie.
I’m glad little mama has such a wonderful daughter.
Its really scary isn’t it? Suddenly dealing with our parents health issues and their getting-older-health-related stuff. Big sigh. Right before Christmas I had to strongly recommend (ahem) that my dad go and see his doctor for something. It took him three days but he finally went. He’s the same way as your mom, he doesn’t push it enough or stand up and get the attention he needs. Its downright scary sometimes. Its a new issue for me, so we’ll all be going through this together.
I prefer the nurse practioner in my doctor’s practice. She’s the one I’ve voted most likely to use the f-word in the office. I’ve found, many times, that nurses seem to be more “in the know.” Glad your mommy’s got a diagnosis. 🙂
omg… Rachel, you don’t know me from Adam, but honey, you make me laugh! I don’t know if I got to your blog directly from knitlist, or from someone else’s blogroll, about three weeks ago. I just got back tonight and had to catch and read it ALL! My mouth just watered to have crab and pie with ya on New Years. LOL Your Little Mamma sure makes me think of mine; I miss her so. Love yours good and keep doing what’s right with regard to her doctors! Later-tater.
Rachael, I agree–why isn’t your mom getting a new doctor? After my son was diagnosed with autism I saw my PCP for antidepressants. I had my 3 kids with me. The PCP, a woman, asked if I would leave the kids home next time? These doctors are just way too much. I hope your mom feels better. I think it is awesome that you are advocating for her. Hang in there.
Okay, I worry about Bethany already, and now since you seem to be doing all the worrying out there, I’m worrying for (about) YOU! So, you worry about your little Mama, and I’ll worry about you and Bethany. Hmmm, I think that ties up all the loose ends, don’t you?
Yup, her doctor is fucked up. Fire her ass! And yes, the swear words are absolutely necessary when dealing with incompetents like her. Your mom is so lucky to have you advocating for her. Fight the good fight, and just be real persistent and in-your-face. And (you’ve probably done this already) check out some medical research on the web. There’re some good sites out there.