Healthcare

Healthcare is a joke.  Pay in to the system until you actually need help.  Follow the pre-op procedures and instructions.  Arrive early to minimize delay or disruption.  Still have little control to what happens.

No one wants to hang out in a waiting room.  EVER.  It's irritating.  Having no control on what time or when you will be seen.  I had arranged a yoga session that I thought might interfere with me picking him up.  He did not say anything, but I sensed, that he was irritated.  Like he wasn't my priority.

I waited until 11:15 in the room with him.  Made my departure to teach a class at 11:30. Figured he would be available around 1:30 for pick up.  I returned to the hospital and was informed--I meant to text you to let you know that he hasn't started his surgery yet.  (Really?  You forgot to text me?)

I waited until they came to take him to the OR.  That was 2:45. We arrived at the hospital at 9:45 to check in for his procedure.

I returned at 4:45 to ensure that I could enter the surgical services until.  Sat in the recovery room.  Waited.  Waited longer.  Finally, a nurse came to collect me.

I almost leapt out of my seat.  I was so ready to be out of the hospital.  He looked great.  And lighter.  We did a few post Op procedures and then was talked thought the next few hours.  She was detailed about what pill to take and what time.  She expressed the importance of keeping track of when the pills were taken.  Staying on schedule.  She escorted us out to my car and helped me get Tom into Freya.  I started to leave and inquired about the medication.  Did he have them?  

Big shock.  No.  We did not have the tramadol or oxycodone.  He was told that he should pick them up on the day of the procedure.  Somehow that was ignored during the post-op discussion.  I tried to call the on-call nurse which was silly.  I have yet to be called to determine if we need help.  It is a joke.  Tom made it through to his surgeon.  He reiterated that the pills were available at the hospital.  But the pharmacy closed at 6 pm.  Super helpful, again.  Healthcare reminding me that the system is rigged against normal people.

The doctor called in the prescription to Walgreen's.  We were told it would be an hour before picking up.  I ordered take out and ate with Tom.  Absorbed a few hours before heading to Walgreen's.  The prescription was not filled, and they would only be able to fill two of the prescriptions.  I waited for 45 minutes.  Cherry on top of my shitty day waiting for the healthcare system.  

Now, we still don't have the pain medication two days later.  Walgreens has not filled the prescription, and Tom is hesitant to be an advocate for his health.  I am irritated since I believe he can be more forceful.  Call his doctor and figure out where we can pick up this stuff.  I am more than happy to pick it up at the hospital.

He is fine with waiting.  I cannot continue to force him to do things he is uncomfortable with, and I cannot be his advocate.  We have different styles.  I will respect his wishes.  

There has to be a better way.  People should not be in pain.  The amount of money paid into insurance should alleviate undue pain or waiting.  I cannot avoid my payment due date.  I would be slapped with a fine.  How are they ok with people not receiving their prescriptions?