Lesson Number – Whatever
Standing Up For Your Self!
Just when things were going so smoothly, somebody has to upset the apple cart. It’s getting near that time again for scans. I know I can’t believe it either – time is passing so quickly. My last Brain MRI was March 3 and my next was scheduled that day for June 10. Well, last week I received a call from the scheduler informing me that the appointment I made over three months ago has to be rescheduled because the doctor’s busy from 10AM – 11AM and my appointment is 10:30AM. Next appointment available for morning is July 29. I DON’T THINK SO…… I explained that I wasn’t going to wait another two months to make sure the radiation has stopped the growth of the tumors. If there was something going on up there I want to know now so we could put together a plan of action. After a lot of shuffling of papers I was told they would have to get back to me. Fives days later after not hearing anything I called back and spoke to another scheduler and explained my situation. Again, a lot of paper shuffling and telling me they would have to get back to me. A few hours later sure enough I did get a call back with the same date of July 29. Again I explained the situation and finally agreed to June 11. My whole intention of a morning appointment was because I work full time and do not want to miss a whole day. I reminded them that my MRI appointment also needed to be changed and they said they would take care of it. Two days later of not hearing anything I called to confirm with the MRI Department and I was told not only was my MRI not changed but neither was my doctor’s appointment. So by this time I have had just as much as I was going to take. This is my life they are screwing around with, with no regards to what was in jeopardy of not catching something early. I actually had to explain that the reason for the doctor’s appointment was to review the MRI and if there was no MRI it was a waste of time for both the doctor and myself. So I sat and wrote a very diplomatic email to the doctor explaining the situation and eluding that maybe I should find another facility and doctor to do the test. I really didn’t want to do this since I really like the doctor but again as Bon Jovi clearly states “It’s My Life”! Not more then 30 minutes later I get a call from the hospital that all of a sudden June 10 at 10:30AM is back in the doctor’s schedule and my original appointment will be honored.
So what have we learned here??? Simply (and I’ve said this before) take charge and stand up for yourself. Don’t take no for an answer especially when you have followed all the “rules”. I know it’s uncomfortable to have to challenge things but don’t back down. I really don’t believe the doctor knew what was going on with my appointment and it was his staff re-arranging things. Don’t be afraid to take your concerns higher. If I did not hear from the doctor in a reasonable amount of time I would have taken it to a higher level – the CEO which I’ve been known to do one time in the past. This is not a popularity contest. Again – this is my life.
So that is the end of my lesson. I hope you take it to heart and learn you have to stand up for yourself especially when you health is at risk.
Now that you all know that my MRI is Tuesday I hope you all will send positive thought my way. I’ll keep you updated on results.
Next up – CT scan of lungs, liver, breast and bones June 17
Keep On Dancin’
