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changelingMy pleurisy has now gone on for a month, with no known cause, and just isn't getting better. I skipped out on the morning of our Morris Ale on Saturday to go to the doctor. He gave me two referrals (and more drugs): one for a chest CT scan, one for a respiratory physician. I had hopes for the specialist, since I'm not really keen to have more radiology.
Oh, how I should have known better. The last time I had a referral, when I had an ear infection that lasted three months, the appointment was so far in advance that by the time my appointment came around it was completely healed. And I had to pay for him to simply tell me not to stick cotton buds in my ear – no bulk-billing for specialists. This one can't get me in until the 15th of October – five weeks from now.
This is what makes specialists useful for chronic problems, but completely rubbish for acute. Missing a lung? Well, you'll still be missing it in two months' time; what's the rush? Severe pleurisy that may have other complications? Come back in December 2009. You say it'll be fixed by then? Why, then my job is done. It'll heal on its own; no need for me.
Bah. I'm wondering whether I should just take the appointment, as for all I know, my pleurisy could still be going on in five weeks' time. The receptionist suggested I go back to my GP and get a list of other specialists, to see if any have appointments earlier than the 15th. This sounds like a lot of work (even if my GP is currently on shift at the clinic) for dubious result. Suddenly the five hours waiting in the Royal Melbourne emergency department seems far less dire. At least I was in the same day, and only had my bladder and hunger to suppress.
Edit: I called the clinic, and they gave me a couple of other names. One is on holiday until the end of September, the other is going on holiday at the end of September, but can fit me in next Monday. Hurrah!
Oh, how I should have known better. The last time I had a referral, when I had an ear infection that lasted three months, the appointment was so far in advance that by the time my appointment came around it was completely healed. And I had to pay for him to simply tell me not to stick cotton buds in my ear – no bulk-billing for specialists. This one can't get me in until the 15th of October – five weeks from now.
This is what makes specialists useful for chronic problems, but completely rubbish for acute. Missing a lung? Well, you'll still be missing it in two months' time; what's the rush? Severe pleurisy that may have other complications? Come back in December 2009. You say it'll be fixed by then? Why, then my job is done. It'll heal on its own; no need for me.
Bah. I'm wondering whether I should just take the appointment, as for all I know, my pleurisy could still be going on in five weeks' time. The receptionist suggested I go back to my GP and get a list of other specialists, to see if any have appointments earlier than the 15th. This sounds like a lot of work (even if my GP is currently on shift at the clinic) for dubious result. Suddenly the five hours waiting in the Royal Melbourne emergency department seems far less dire. At least I was in the same day, and only had my bladder and hunger to suppress.
Edit: I called the clinic, and they gave me a couple of other names. One is on holiday until the end of September, the other is going on holiday at the end of September, but can fit me in next Monday. Hurrah!
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Date: 2007-09-10 12:27 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-09-10 01:08 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-09-10 07:30 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-09-10 02:39 pm (UTC):c I hope you feel better.
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Date: 2007-09-10 10:44 pm (UTC)Me too. Thanks.