La versión en español está después de la versión en inglés.
It’s another nail idiom today (don’t forget “dead as a doornail”). I had a public health internal medicine appointment at 12:12. I was 10 minutes early. There is a hall of private offices. If a doctor is in but not free, there’s a light above the door that shows red. If he’s available, the light is green. My doctor’s light was off which means no one is there. I thought perhaps he took a break. I’ve seen him arrive at times in the past while people waited. At 12:25 I went down to the lobby to ask if he was in. He is out more than he’s in.
I had to take a number. I tried phoning in the meantime, but got a message that the line was busy. I tried and tried. I waited 15 minutes and my number came up. I told the agent about my appointment. She told me the doctor was not in. I asked what about my appointment. She looked at my record and said someone tried to call me Tuesday of last week and got no answer. I had a record of a missed call while I was still in bed. But, they tried once and left no message? I gave her the reasons why this appointment is urgent. She gave me an appointment with the same doctor for Tuesday of next week.
The doctor who covered for him two weeks ago was the doctor we were assigned when we first arrived here, the one I said we didn’t want to see anymore because everything was a problem for her, or an argument. She refused to take a specialist’s word for anything. In place of my current doctor, she was to renew all my prescriptions. When I went to the pharmacy I learned she had renewed all but one. One of the reasons I was back so soon.
I’m traveling in November and, having a chronic illness, I’m at the top of the list for COVID and flu vaccines. I want to get those done as soon as possible. Now I have to wait at least another week.
San Geraldo suggested lunch out at Casa Colón where we were treated like family and had a relaxing time. I then came home and had a heartwarming and fun video chat with a dear friend. After that, I was all smiles.
I can’t think of another nail idiom that would end this on the positive note it deserves. Thinking of one has been like trying to nail JELLO (jelly) to the wall.
Hoy es otro modismo de uñas (no olviden “muerto como un clavo”). Tenía una cita de medicina interna de salud pública a las 12:12. Llegué 10 minutos antes. Hay un pasillo de consultorios privados. Si un médico está pero no está libre, hay una luz roja sobre la puerta. Si está disponible, la luz está verde. La luz de mi médico estaba apagada, lo que significa que no hay nadie. Pensé que tal vez se tomó un descanso. Lo he visto llegar a veces en el pasado mientras la gente esperaba. A las 12:25 bajé al vestíbulo para preguntar si estaba. Sale más de lo que entra.
Tuve que tomar un número. Intenté llamar mientras tanto, pero recibí un mensaje de que la línea estaba ocupada. Esperé 15 minutos. Le conté a la agente sobre mi cita. Me dijo que el médico no estaba. Le pregunté qué pasaba con mi cita. Miró mi historial y dijo que alguien intentó llamarme el martes de la semana pasada y no obtuvo respuesta. Tenía registrada una llamada perdida mientras aún estaba en cama. Pero, ¿lo intentaron una vez y no dejaron mensaje? Le expliqué las razones por las que la cita era urgente. Me dio cita con la misma doctora para el martes de la semana que viene.
La doctora que lo sustituyó hace dos semanas era la que nos asignaron cuando llegamos, la que dije que no queríamos ver más porque todo era un problema para ella o una discusión. Se negó a confiar en la palabra de un especialista. En lugar de mi doctora actual, ella debía renovar todas mis recetas. Cuando fui a la farmacia, me enteré de que me las había renovado todas menos una. Una de las razones por las que volví tan pronto.
Además, viajo en noviembre y, como tengo una enfermedad crónica, estoy en la cima de la lista de vacunas contra la COVID y la gripe. Quiero ponérmelas lo antes posible. Ahora tengo que esperar una semana más.
San Geraldo sugirió comer en Casa Colón, donde nos trataron como familia y pasamos un rato relajante. Luego volví a casa y tuve una videollamada muy conmovedora y divertida con una querida amiga.
Después de eso, me puse muy contenta. No se me ocurre otra expresión sobre clavos que terminara esto con la nota positiva que merece. Pensar en una ha sido como intentar clavar gelatina en la pared.
• Hablando de clavos, ¡otra casa para arreglar!
Thanks heavens thus far, I have not had any or needed any major health issues, and generally go to the doctors every other year…. but I have a growing disrespect for the health care and its professionals. Everything is a chore it seems to get any medical help or even see doctors these days. Or one is told they are fine, no issues found. But people know their own bodies and when something is not right. And then we wonder why people are suffering, metal illness grows, people get depressed and such. And in the US it’s awful and the health care companies…. well, excuse me but they can, as Anne Marie would say fuck off. I hope doctors, themselves experience just once how they treat their patients. Good ones are so few and in between, they are going extinct.
Mistress Borghese:
I’ve had health annoyances throughout my life. Never heard of it? I got it. I’ve had some great experiences with doctors and some not so great. I’m a bit in a downturn lately! I need Anne Marie to tell them all where to go.
Why on earth would they not leave a message? Or at least text you the information.
ellen abbott:
Exactly. I have no clue why they do things the way they do.
Arghghgh, so annoying. And, yes, you need priority care. Boud.
Boud:
Another frustration with Public Health is that you need primary care approval for every referral. I’m fairly fed up at the moment.
How irritating! Jx
PS Beautiful architecture porn always helps – although I can’t help feeling upset at the complete disrespect paid to the gorgeous door and its surrounding wall. Graffiti and litter always annoy me.
Jon:
I know what you mean about graffiti and litter. graffiti is not uncommon here, but litter is rare. This building was especially sad.
Without ‘us’ there would be no ‘them’. I think they too frequently lose sight of this .
Now to that ‘fixer-upper’…..NICE.
Jim:
I haven’t been impressed with the level of bureaucracy we’ve faced in Córdoba.
I can’t understand why they didn’t leave a message. Many people screen their calls and don’t answer if they don’t recognize the number. I always tell myself if it’s important they’ll leave a message. Obviously I’m wrong.
You still have time on those vaccines. I think two weeks in advance usually provides immunity. Fortunately I was able to get both of mine (plus the RSV vaccine) earlier this month. With certain folks in charge, you never know what’s going to happen here with health care!
Kelly:
No excuse for one attempt, no message, and no follow-up. If I can get the vaccines next week, I’ll be relaxed. If Tuesday brings me no closer, I’ll email my nephrologist for help. Thankfully, he’s both my private and public health doctor.
This did not help you at all and I am angry on your behalf. I know that doesn’t help you either but it’s the damn truth.
Ms. Moon
Ms. Moon:
I start to stew all over again when I think about it. So I’ll stop thinking about it.
Big, big hug for you 🙂
So glad you ended up having a great chat with a dear friend, and wonderful meal with your sweet husband.
Judy C:
The day was turned around.
Ugh, Scoot, what a system! I’m sure you’re not the only patient subjected to that agent’s incompetence &/or laziness — you could complain, though her supervisor is likely no better…
Did you receive my email this morning?
Tundra Bunny:
I don’t blame the agent. I DO blame whoever phoned once and didn’t bother again. I DO blame my doctor for taking off so often. I don’t think he’s ill. I think he works out of two cities and juggles a lot. Doesn’t help me anyway. We’ve had I think 7 appointments. I’ve seen HIM 3 times.
That sound you hear is me knocking on wood that I have found a good doctor who, when I broke my toe, told me not to come in but just text her a photo so that way she didn’t have to charge me.
I asked if I could charge HER, and she laughed.
Hopefully your doctor reappears and gets all your needs me before your trip!
Bob:
I even tried making a phone appointment with him, and he had nothing available. Maybe I should break a toe!
Love the photos, but a suckingly awful story.
I had a doctor here who “quit” her practice, yet the robo-reminders kept coming in that I had an appointment with her. Got to the office to find it dark. Finally got through to the receptionist with a “Oh? I guess we forgot to call you. Will put you on the list when we find a replacement”. Don’t bother. My Primary Care connected me with a new specialist that afternoon.
I >adore< my doctor, been seeing her since 2017 when my last PCP died.
It's your health, God damn it! I hope you get this straightened out!
Rade:
It’s appalling how some companies and offices handle their processes and communications. We walked over to the bank last night to deposit in the ATM. The building was vacant!
Different colored lights above the doors. Sounds less like a medical center and more like a borde–…well, I’m not to going say it, and anyway it’s an unfair comparison, as the latter apparently offers much more efficient service than the former.
Kirk:
I wonder what’s going on inside when the red light is on. And, yes, you usually know the service you’ll get at a bordello.
Jeeze Louise! What a frustrating, shitty experience. How do irresponsible professionals–and I use the term professionals loosely–earn a living? I know what I need to do. I’ll enroll in medical school. As soon as I’m finished, I’ll take care of you myself. Can you wait about 6 to 8 years? Waiting for an appointment with me should be quicker than getting help from the dr who doesn’t show up or seeing Dr. Argumentative.
Love,
Janie
janiejunebug:
You are an angel. If I’m still alive when you’re done!
I told me doctor she needs to practice for another 20 years, so I never have find another one.
David:
I would like to find a doctor I would want to tell that to!
My travel insurance is going up every bloody year xxxx.
finlaygray:
Travel insurance is no longer cheap. But, this time, instead of buying it on the airline website when I made my reservation, I went directly to the insurer website and paid half the price for the same coverage. Will wonders never cease?
Paperwork, doctor appointments …. everything seems so difficult to get done over there. It all would frustrate me to no end.
Shirley:
We’ve been surprised by the level of inefficiency and bureaucracy here in Córdoba and we don’t understand why so much has been so difficult.