doctors - lost somewhere?
I used the words "you are joking" previously. I had a blood test on 16th September and received a letter from the doctor dated 30th September asking me to book a telephone appointment to discuss the results. That conversation will take place on 21st November.
We have a separate system for COPD, and I am supposed to have six monthly face to face. COVID caused chaos, but they finally seem to be getting back in order. The net result is that we have to be self-sufficient because doctors seem to be at breaking point.
Unfortunately this is not new to me as I have been on my own chronic illness journey for decades now. COVID took an already pushed system and stretched it to the breaking point. Whereas before COVID I used to book doctor appts a month in advance now they are 3-4 months behind and there are almost never any cancellations. I completely understand your frustration and you are definitely right. We have to be our own advocates now, more than ever, and it's something you 100% have to learn. Saying "no" to doctors feels akin to saying "no" to your parents the first time, it can be awkward and nerve racking. Of course, when you get to where I am it's so old hat that now I am just basically like, "yeah, I'm not doing that, sorry." Ha ha. Hopefully things will get a little better soon. You are not alone! Keep on keepin' on, DPM
