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Once again I need to copy all of my lab reports (most recent) and fax them, followed by hard copies to my specialists (per their request)…. only for them to later act like they never received them when I travel to see them this fall.

What is just “business” or a “day’s work” for them, is for me the most personal aspects of my life

While doctor’s offices constantly lose information sent via facsimile or us mail…. I wonder what happens to my personal information? Does the receptionist shred it? Does the Doctor get it? Does he lose it? A medical assistant perhaps loses it?? Or does it end up comedic material for the water cooler at the office?? WHERE DOES MY SHIT GO??

Each time I see a doctor or go into a medical office, x-rays, etc. (whether new, or existing); I try and dazzle them with my charming personality. Hoping to leave some kind of impression, so that I might stand out from the rest. Maybe they might see me more as a person… like their mother or their wife or their sister. Having a little pity on the fact that I am scared. Instead of just treating me as the 1:30pm appointment.

Let’s face it, when a person is sent to a specialist…. or to have a medical procedure, they are usually scared. Otherwise, they wouldn’t be going. You would think as a medical professional, they would come to that logical assumption themselves. I’ve met people myself (first timers), while waiting for my turn with the MRI machine, scared to death of the unknown. And I have myself, tried to console a woman, obviously scared…. at least trying to tell her about the machine that will take the pictures. (Something no one did for me). Letting her know the noise, while at times unbearable, is “normal”. Telling her about my own experiences, so that she might feel a little more calm.

Just checking in for an appointment can be high anxiety, for those of us wondering how our lab work, our MRI’s, etc. are going to turn out. So while the android checking us in, telling us to go down the hall take a left, 2 rights, then another left, without so much as a smile just adds to the anxiety level. Feeling as if they are just running us in and out like cattle.

Then when it’s all over, absolutely NO one has told me anything about the picture they just took. (As if it is some big mystery). All I want to know….. “is the tumor smaller or bigger”. Of course the technician will not say anything, instead lets you know the radiologist will read it later. What radiologist? The one I’ve never met?? How can I possibly dazzle him/or her with my charming personality, if I don’t ever get to meet them???

Then you get “the call”. If they insist you come in for an appointment…. it’s usually not good news. And if you never get “the call”, you need to call at least a couple of 2,3 + times in order to get any results yourself.

Weird.
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