Sometimes, our healthcare system stinks. And I worked in it for 31 years as PR and Marketing Director for a large hospital. I understand making a profit, even as a not-for-profit hospital. You have to pay employees, buy the newest equipment, maintain the facilities, etc. I understand needing insurance approval before setting appointments.

However, as a patient with excellent insurance coverage and a ton of pain, it really sucks. I feel like I’m being tossed around on a roller coaster. That’s my truth, even knowing just how privileged I am.

Twice recently, a doctor has said “I’ll send a referral and their office will call you to set an appointment.” The first time, after a week without a call, I called the provider, said I’d been referred, and was wondering about the status. For the MRI, the receptionist said “Oh yes. I can take care of that.” Done.

After receiving the MRI results, my doctor referred me to a surgeon and said they’d call me to make an appointment. A week later, without a call, I called the surgeon’s office. The receptionist said, “Oh yes. I see that. I’ll give it to the doctor to review, and I allow him 7-10 days to review your report.”  Seriously? She had not even passed my chart along to the doctor! Two weeks later, I am still waiting and still in PAIN. And this appointment will only be a consult, not surgery or pain relief.

A week ago, another specialist agreed that I should see a surgeon. In light of the slow response from the first referral, he sent one to a different surgeon. I called the surgeon’s office that day and explained that I had two referrals because I just want to be seen as soon as possible. I’m still waiting and still in PAIN.

I’m talking…can barely walk across the house type pain. A trip to Target wipes me out. I hurt when I cook, because standing and slight movements send pain racing through my leg. My left foot always feels asleep. I already have a diagnosis of fibromyalgia, for which I take pain meds, but they aren’t touching this. My husband is doing most of the household chores, because I can’t even carry a laundry basket to the washer. The infrared sauna blanket, back brace, and weekly massage can only do so much.

All patients must advocate for themselves. I know that, and I do. The system tells people to use their doctors and leave emergency rooms for true emergency cases. However, I’m not sure I shouldn’t have just shown up in the E.R. on one of my worst days. Surely, they would have ordered an MRI and perhaps the right doctor would have seen it there. Maybe I would get some help.

**And some days, there is a ray of hope, even from an unexpected place. I asked a question about a friend’s Facebook post, and she called me. She’s a good, longtime friend but one I don’t talk with often. I learned that she had suffered through the same pain I am currently experiencing until surgery brought relief and mobility. She gave me hope.