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| No more mistaking the paper cutting scissors for the fabric cutting pair |
Sunday morning, I finished sewing my black blouse. After my experience with trying to cut the fabric with the paper cutting scissors, I marked the paper cutting scissors with a P and the fabric cutting scissors with a F, using a permanent marker. I should have done that earlier, but better late than never, I suppose.
One of my aunts called in the morning and my neighbor and I had our weekly Sunday morning chat. I did a load of laundry, as well, and cleaned the litter box.
Sunday afternoon, I went out to a late lunch/early dinner with my friend and wore my new blouse. Friend and I went to one of our favorite restaurants, where they start serving their dinner menu at 3:00 p.m. We got there 10 minutes to 3:00, but we asked our server if we could order from the dinner menu and she said yes, and gave us the early bird discount, as well! My friend and I had the pork chops with grilled onions and applesauce dinner. It came with soup or salad (I had the salad, my friend had the soup), steamed vegetables and choice of mashed potatoes, fries, or coleslaw.
After lunch, my friend came home with me and we spent the afternoon chatting. I drove her home after tea, then came home and went for my walk. Later in the evening, I did the dishes and watched some TV.
On Sunday, I was grateful for:
- I was able to sew myself a blouse with a remnant piece of fabric in the stash
- I managed to overcome the shortcomings of the fabric without getting frustrated
- I was able to go out to lunch with my friend
- My friend's company in the afternoon
- I was able to go for another walk
On Monday, I had a relatively quiet day. I had the day off from work and slept in till late morning. Then, I called the clinic to ask about one of my blood pressure medications (the one I couldn't get on Friday). The pharmacy had said the clinic hadn't responded to the refill request. The clinic, when I called today, claimed that medication is not listed on my record and I should see the Physician Assistant. I told them that the PA is aware that I am on this medication as I've been on it for some time and I have an appointment to see her later this month, anyway. I was asked to remain on the line while they called the pharmacy and spoke to them. Then, the girl came back on the phone with me to say the pharmacy was going to send another request. That would be the 3rd request for this one medication refill. I will give the pharmacy another day or so (not sure if they are open tomorrow, anyway) and then, see what happened. In the meantime, I am taking the last 3 pills every other day to make them last longer.
In any case, I will need to go to the pharmacy in the next couple of days about one of my other medications - for some reason, they gave me a refill for the lower dosage that I was taken off of and which I had told the pharmacy I was no longer on. I know they try their best, but, my goodness, they get an award for making mistakes! Of course, it is partially my fault, too, for not double checking the refill dosage when I picked up the medication. Sigh.
Later in the afternoon, I put away the laundry from yesterday and pulled out another half-sewn blouse. It is another pieced-out blouse! When I first cut it out, I had to insert a panel down the front to make it big enough to fit me. Then,something else went wrong and I put it away. Today, when I tried it on, it was too big! So, I spent the afternoon unpicking the whole thing. Later, I sewed most of it again. Tomorrow, I will finish sewing it. There's a matching skirt, which I sewed earlier. Together, they will look like a dress (I hope).
I went for another walk, today. I walked the same distance I walked on Saturday - to the first major intersection plus one additional block and back.
On Monday, I am grateful for:
- Having the day off from work
- Being able to sleep in
- My seam ripper
- Another relatively cool day
- An afternoon nap
Tuesday is Fourth of July, when we celebrate Independence Day. I am planning to spend a quiet day at home, sewing my blouse and doing some house cleaning. What are your plans for Tuesday?
Bless, you constantly seem to be having trouble with appointments and medication requests, it must drive you mad. Having to take a tablet every other day while it gets sorted out just isn't right.
ReplyDeleteMark's Dad struggled with repeat prescriptions when the Doctor changed his medication. Everything had been on one list but instead of cancelling the whole list then adding the new medication with a new start date so it could all be collected at once as usual, he had to start going up at different times because all the medication and dates were out of sync. Is that's what's happened with you or do things just get overlooked/missed off? Such a pain for you and a lot of messing around you could do without. I hope you get it sorted. xx
Every time I get a new medication or a different dosage, it starts a new cycle for that particular medication (I usually receive 30 pills per refill). As a result, I pick up different medications at different times. I just have the hardest time with the clinics and the pharmacy, when it comes to getting my prescriptions and referrals. Everything is supposed to be computerized but someone has to input data and retrieve data. Computers are only as good as the people using them, aren't they? It is very frustrating, but what can one do?
DeleteOh Bless, (HUGS). I think we should go back to paper prescriptions that they give YOU and that you hand in to the pharmacist. I'm not anti-technology at all but all this back and forth and the pharmacy blaming the clinic and the clinic blaming the P.A. and so on and so forth is ridiculous and exhausting. They're playing Russian roulette with your health and your life and probably with everyone else's who is part of their clientele. Surely, there is an office manager or overseeing manager at each of those facilities? You should keep a detailed log of all the problems you're running into (go back and read your blog if you haven't!) and give it to them so they realize how ridiculous and unprofessional and downright dangerous they're being. I'd also mention it to the doctors themselves. After all, it's not helping them help you if you're not getting the medications that you need on time or in the proper dosage and their own staff seems to be incompetent.
ReplyDeleteAnyhoo, I'm glad you had a nice outing with your friend and got the early bird special! Good job on your walks, too!
Have a good day today, Bless. I hope that despite the current climate in this country of OURS, you can find some enjoyment in celebrating Independence Day. I'm going to try to, as well.
Thank you, Nathalie. It does seem like I'm having to fight every step of the way when it comes to my medical care, doesn't it? I am seriously thinking of switching my health insurance at the end of this year. I had been thinking of doing it earlier, but didn't want to make any changes in the middle of my cancer treatment. But yes, I will definitely inform the P.A. I am also going to ask her if there is a direct number where I can reach her, as opposed to going through the front desk. I am getting a little tired of all this.
DeleteOh my dear the clinic and the pharmacy both get a F grade - this is unbelievable. Getting the correct dosage and refill on a Rx should NEVER be this complicated. I'd be furious.
ReplyDeleteWell done on your walking. Is it cooler?
I have prepared relish tray, deviled eggs and brownies to take to cookout at daughters. Grandsons are enroute from Philmont Scout camp in New Mexico. Unfortunately they have missed their train connection in Kansas City, MO so now will arrive home quite late.☹️
Thanks, Sandy. You are right; getting a refill and correct dosage shouldn't be so complicated. I am getting a bit fed up with it all, to be quite honest.
DeleteYes, it has been cooler, these few days. We are supposed to heat up again, over the next few days into the weekend. I just might have to wake up early and go walking in the morning, although I really don't see myself doing so!
Oh I hope your grandsons have a safe journey back and it won't be too late when they get home. Will you wait until they arrive to have the cookout, or will you go ahead and keep their dinner for when they come home?
We went ahead with the cookout - they should have been home at 1:30 pm but due to missing their train connection did not get home until 9:00 pm - their were plenty of leftovers for the boys. So we will hear about their adventure another time.
DeleteOh wow, that is rather late! But glad they came home safely. Hope you enjoyed the cookout.
DeleteTaking blood pressure medicine every other day is not acceptable when it is prescribed for every day. Did you tell them that was what you were doing because of poor communications between the clinic and pharmacy. You should tell both of them. The clinic may not be aware that you are out of meds.
ReplyDeleteWhen you finally get your meds, I would call or go in person and talk about your communication/clerical problems and ask how it can be done differently so these things stop happening. It wouldn't be yelling at them because I know that you don't like confrontation, but looking for solutions. When the whole process is analyzed, it will be interesting to see where the breakdowns are happening.
Now that I've fumed, enjoy your day off today.
No, skipping dosages isn't a good solution, is it? But yes, both the clinic and the pharmacy are aware of the fact that I am out of medication. The pharmacist already gave me a few extra pills to tide me over until Monday - I am ekeing them out, but I must call both pharmacy and clinic tomorrow because I can't afford to have my blood pressure increasing when I have my surgery on Thursday. I will be going to the clinic next week, Wednesday, and I will discuss this situation with the Physician Assistant. I will ask her why my medications are not listed in their computer system and why it is so hard to get a refill.
DeleteI hope you have a lovely day.
I agree with what everyone else has said so there isn't much more to add. Sounds like you have a plan for dealing with all this confusion. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Susan. I will be calling both clinics, tomorrow. When they ask my name, I will say, "My last name is Wheel, my first name is Squeaky!" :D
DeleteHow nice that you were able to get together with a friend and catch-up!
ReplyDeleteI'll just add my voice to the overall din of people crying out over your treatment re:prescriptions and refills. What a pain and potentially even dangerous. I am annoyed on your behalf. <3
It was nice to get together with her. :)
DeleteThanks, Laura. I will call the clinics tomorrow and I am thinking of identifying myself as Ms. Squeaky Wheel when I call!
Oh my goodness, I am furious that there have been yet more mistakes and miscommunication about your prescriptions. I wish I lived closer to you because I would raise such a fuss with them all about it! Do you think it is more the pharmacy or the doctor's office that is causing the confusion? Praying that you got it all straightened out.
ReplyDeleteOn a more positive note, I am so glad you got to spend so much time with your friend. Sometimes that is just what we need isn't it? :)
Debbie, at this point, I think it is the clinic, more than the pharmacy, on at least one medication. It is definitely the pharmacy on the other. The drama continues and I am so tired of it all.
DeleteSmart move labeling the scissors, but it was funny to read about you finally realizing that you had the wrong ones for your sewing!
ReplyDeleteIf only your pharmacy could be organized as easily. I do hope you get some satisfaction and that they smarten up in future. I wonder how many other people are being given the run around?
Ha, ha, I kept wondering why they were so blunt!
DeleteI am getting rather fed up with the whole pharmacy and clinic saga. The pharmacists are trying their best, it's just that they are so overworked that they just go by what's in the computer and if no one actually updates the computer when they are informed of medication changes, then, the whole thing becomes a mess!
Giggling about labelled scissors. Looking forward to photo modelling newly completed blouse and it's matched skirt.
ReplyDeleteFurious about the mess up of BP meds. Perhaps if you explain ...New evidence suggests dramatic swings in blood pressure can have devastating effects dramatically increasing the risk of stroke, heart attack, even leading to death, they might get serious about risk factors.
Currently I am most uncomfortable being slit from collarbone to almost navel where a former drain [tube] hole has begun to heal. While getting smaller, the big lump where the electronic wires kept my heart going while veins were reorganized from those damaged by radiation. This is the path that incompetent pharmacy is hurtling towards you! Google 'triple bypass' for details
Hon, I am sorry to hear you are uncomfortable. I hope the recovery is coming along as well as can be expected. I don't like the sound of veins being damaged by radiation, though. Sounds like something else I might have to worry about!
DeleteI don't know who is to blame at this point - the pharmacy or the clinic! With all their shortcomings, I am afraid that the clinic is more to blame than the pharmacy!
Last century radiation does were extreme, the highest dosages the body size could take. They don't do that anymore!
ReplyDeleteI am sorry you had to go through all that, Hon. I hope your recovery progresses well.
DeleteOh my goodness, Bless! That is so dangerous...having to take meds every other day instead of how THEY prescribed it because of the lack of competence. I understand that people make mistakes, but this is your health! I worked as a Pharm Tech way back in the day and I made darned sure if I had to make the call to the doctor's office, the patient got their meds! It's not like your asking for a controlled drug either...this is blood pressure meds for goodness sakes!!
ReplyDeleteI know, Joy. More and more, I think it is the clinic that is refusing to reauthorize the meds because it was originally prescribed by a doctor who is no longer there and, their protocol seems to be that I need to see the PA who replaced her before I can get a reauthorization. Very silly, if you ask me, but that is their policy now, apparently. I will be seeing the PA on Wednesday and I have enough meds to last me till then, so, hopefully, all will be OK.
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