MiriamJan 12, 2023

I am seeing yet another specialist this morning because I have thyroid nodules and my body has basically been doing weird shit since I gave birth at the end of 2021, and then it's been noticeably worse since getting COVID in September last year.

Shout-out to the dipshit receptionist at the endocrinologist office who made me fill out PAPER INTAKE FORMS even though I had done all the intake forms and pre-check in through MyChart. #spoonielife #chronicillnessfun

Show threadMiriamJan 12, 2023

As if that's not bad enough, he tosses my card back at me and just says, "Didn't work." And when he hands the clipboard to me he just tossed it at me and says, "Fill it out and give it to the nurse."

I get that 8:30am is early to deal with cranky and chronically ill people. But also, I don't like being treated like I'm ruining your day just by showing up.

Now I get to explain my entire medical history and why I'm not just a whiny fat lady to a new doctor. #spoonielife #chronicillnessclub

Show threadlolonurseJan 18, 2023
@spacecasemir
Piqued my interest! I am also a fat old woman with actual autoimmune inflammatory plus congenital neuromuscular/ musculoskeletal stuff... but being a (retired/disabled) RN, I can get some attention & respect, even if it takes a while. We definitely have to be strong self advocates.
Show threadMiriamJan 18, 2023
@lolonurse You absolutely have to be a strong advocate for yourself. I've got a history of autoimmune disorders and having to explain all of that only to be blown off by some dude who doesn't want to deal with me is exhausting. It means I have to start over with a new doc and try again and hope I get respect.
Show threadlolonurseJan 18, 2023
@spacecasemir
Many years ago, I created a document for any physician I have to start with. It's a chronological medical history, then surgical history, then list of my prescribed medications (who Rx'd them & why), OTC meds, then vitamins (unless ordered by a doc, then I list them with my meds, which doc recommended or ordered them & why; then I list my allergies, then anesthesia/post-anesthesia precautions and why. Every new practitioner gets one. Me-open book. Them-no excuses!
Show threadMiriam
@lolonurse This is one of the best things a patient can do! All of my docs right now are in the same system so they can see my medical history and merds in my chart. Unfortunately not all of them bother reading that. It's important medical info to keep on file, though, especially if I see someone outside of that system, or have to show up in the ER unexpectedly.
Jan 18, 2023 at 6:55pmWeb