Week 2: The Runaround

Longest run: 4.3 miles, time: 49 mins. Direct sun, no water, 82 degrees and humidity. Had to walk for a few minutes from overheating. Ugh.

Why do the most obvious needs seem so hard to come by? As I mentioned in my last post, I've had an aching hip, now for 2 weeks. Unfortunately my primary care doc picked up and moved to Florida without notice and without the least concern of where her patients would go. So I found myself looking for a new doctor, looking on the web, calling my insurance company for advice, etc. Turns out the insurance co's listings are WAY out of date. The advisor I spoke to on the phone gave me 2 numbers: one that doctor in question hadn't been working at for over 2 years and the other didn't take appointments, only walk-ins (which just seemed shady to me). Finally, my dear allergist, whose receptionists always smile and know my name -- I wish ALL doctors offices could be like this -- gave me the name of one office they work with, and it turned out great. He saw me quickly and gave me some advice. Now I wish it had been that, er-hem, easy (as if 10 phone calls weren't effort enough), I also made an appointment at a chiropractor that swore "yes, we DO take your insurance," until I showed up and they said, we surely will take your insurance once you cover the $500 deductible. That is not as being in network. I was mislead when I made the appointment, and after a brief conversation with my insurance company (AGAIN) I walked out the door with no appointment and fortunately without having to pay anything.

Which brings me to my second point, when someone is in distress, or doesn't feel well, or is just overwhelmed, that's when the people we PAY to take care of us (and insurance ain't cheap) should actually step up and take care of us. Week 2 after her mastectomy, my mom had not heard back from the nurse or counselor who swore they'd support her and keep her informed. She called several different numbers, each one sending her to the next, left countless voicemails pleading for support, information, emotional support, next steps, how long would she actually have to plan on being out of work, and days later, someone finally got back to her. When you're in pain, weak, grieving, scared, it is unjust and cruel for others to make you wait and work for getting answers. These are specialists, and as such, they should know and be aware of what patients are going through. The nurses were profusely apologetic, but the damage was done. She'd already gone through the hell, how were they to make up for that? Now she's in the system and has been able to talk to the right people, thank goodness. So we're both back on track, after a long and complex little goose chase to health. Now, back to chasing my goal.