Confusion Reigns!
This is a follow-up of my last post, written because one of you might have an inkling as to what I should do. I think this is the first time in my life that I have been so flummoxed.
I am still wondering what to do for the best ... something or nothing? On hearing what doctor said friend, Judy, instructed me to phone the hospital for the result. I waited for the weekend to pass rather than upset the hospital staff by phoning on their days off!!! So, to be prepared for making a Monday phone call, I fished out the letter received before I had the procedure.
Below is a photo of the instructions received from hospital prior to gastroscopy (not endoscopy as quoted on earlier post). There is a list of do's and don'ts but it distinctly says 'copy report will be sent to doctor within 10-14 days'. It goes on to say PLEASE DO NOT TELEPHONE US TO FIND OUT RESULTS.
Which begs the question, if the doctor says it is not his responsibility to give me the results, whose flippin' responsibility is it?
I would send a letter to the doctor with a copy of your instructions and say something like, "I know you are disturbed at me for calling and it is not your responsibility to advise test results, is it too much to ask who is responsible for letting me know the results, it is a little troublesome not knowing and it is my gut but I hate to bother anyone. Thank you"
ReplyDeleteThis really pees me off. Years ago I would be intimidated by a doctor, one of the benefits of being old, is they don't scare me anymore, I have no problem telling them where to scratch when they are playing God with my body.
Joeh, do you mind if I use your words, they are so much better and less pussy-footing than mine. I'm only half way through writing so can easily change - with your permission. This is the second time I've had issue with this doctor, the last time kept me away from the surgery for a lengthy time, although I had been brave enough to give him a piece of my mind.
ReplyDeleteI think that you should be able to ask your Doctor anything you want in regards to your healthcare. Is the instructions from the Doctor himself that says to not call? If so writing a letter is exactly the thing to do, or make a trip and go ask face to face, this is your test results, it's not like you are asking for anyone else's.
ReplyDeleteJimmy, I am going to ring tomorrow. They don't work weekends! Replying to your question.... the instruction not to ring was on the letter from the hospital. I agree with your remark re talking to the doctor but mine has a few rules of his own. I wish his predecessor was still at the surgery, he would have responded in a completely different way - like, friendly.
ReplyDeleteValerie, I read Joeh's comment and TOTALLY agree with you....it's a perfect response and one that I would use as well. Excellent response, and one that I think will get a "response" from your doctor.
ReplyDeleteCan you believe that we (because it's the same here in the US as it is in the UK), have to deal with stuff such as this? I mean, it's bad enough having to go through illness, but then to have the medical profession ignore our need to know the results of tests is just down right
rude and unfeeling.
The problem with doctors is that after being in the profession for several years, they become numb to the fact that they are actually working with patients who have emotions and feelings. They eventually begin to see their patients as only "physical."
Keep us posted on the outcome, dear friend!
Wishing you a peaceful week!
X
We all are same...don't care for change. So yes, I also wish you still had your old Dr there to answer all your questions.
ReplyDeleteHi Ron. 'The problem with doctors is that after being in the profession for several years, they become numb to the fact that they are actually working with patients who have emotions and feelings. They eventually begin to see their patients as only "physical"'
ReplyDeleteYou are so right, Ron. However, to take it all back I have received a copy of the report from the hospital. I guess it's a case of 'better late than never' but I still say the wait was too long. Anyway, apparently the result is good and nothing needs to be done. It still doesn't answer the fact that wind surges through the body or that the pain is still in the back, albeit not as bad as it was a few weeks ago. I have made an appointment to see my chiropractor ... perhaps he can help with the back. Happily, though, I can change the subject.
Hello, Nas, thanks for popping in. I will return the compliment as soon as I can.
ReplyDelete