Life of the Lintee Bean

The popularity of television shows revolving around doctors and hospitals is understandable. I think it’s because most of us can relate on some level. It seems anything related to our health is emotionally exhausting, even if it’s not a life-threatening issue.

My doctors wanted me to undergo some more tests.  Dr M wanted an EKG, chest x-rays, and blood-work.  His nurse was kind enough to provide me a paper copy of the order, so I could go to any lab for the tests.  Dr A wanted blood-work as well, and his nurse sent it directly to the hospital’s lab. Then Dr M decided he wanted additional blood tests, and a 24 hour test, and sent the orders over the the hospital’s lab.

Last Friday I got the EKG done at the lab downtown (near work), as I had a paper copy of the order. They don’t do x-rays at that office. We didn’t do the blood-work as I only had the paper copy for some of the tests, and they were unable to reach Dr A or Dr M.

So Saturday I made the 20 minute drive across town to the hospital for the other tests. The lab could find no record of any tests requested by either Dr M or Dr A.  I got the chest x-rays done, since I had a paper copy. Again, no blood-work as I only had a paper copy for some of the blood tests.

While I was at the hospital, I asked for the supplies for the 24 hour test.  They handed me a container.  I haven’t done one of these 24 hour tests in years, but I thought it was more complicated than just a container.  I thought there would be instructions, or at least a label on the container.  I said so, and they looked at me like I was an idiot.  Well, maybe there have been medical advances and now it’s as simple as a container.

Monday, I traded phone calls with Dr A’s office  and Dr M’s office.  Dr A’s office just repeated that they sent the orders to the hospital’s lab. (Obviously, insisting the order is at the hospital’s lab when the lab says it is not does not get us anywhere.) Dr M’s nurse faxed me a paper copy of the new blood tests, so I could take it to the lab downtown for my blood tests. I did that over my lunch hour on Tuesday.

I stayed home from work on Wednesday to do my 24 hour test.  Thursday, I went to the lab downtown to drop off the container. The nurse’s first question was “Did you properly store the container at all times?”  Since no one told me it had to be stored a certain way, I didn’t store it properly. I have to take the test over again.  The nurse put together an entire kit with INSTRUCTIONS, a new container, and other supplies. At least we both had a laugh over the gymnastics I’d performed in order to attempt the test with only the container.

The drama is ongoing. I could go on and on about appointments that ran over an hour late, medications prescribed that insurance doesn’t, and agonizing attempts to reschedule appointments. While my medical woes would never make for an episode of “House”, they are draining.  I can see why Dr. House is so cranky all the time.

Submitted for publication in the Greeley Citizen