What's on Your Mind Thread - 2024

[Kwik]

Bashful and Miss Eleanor have a similar love/hate situation going on. Sometimes, they will lie on the bed right next to each other taking the sun, and at night, when they jockey for position as to which will be where next to me, all is well. Other times, however, they will hiss at each other, with it sometimes escalating to swatting and chasing, the chaser and chasee being interchangeable. Mind you, these two have been under the same roof for over five years now, and it has been, for the most part, peaceful, but every so often they demonstrate that, yes, they are cat.

And CAT they are indeed -their antics certainly mean alot more to humans than they actually do to one another- lol

 

[maggie101]

My parents and I are very frustrated and anxious to get an answer to our question. :will there be surgery and when? My medical history is very long so to make this short. Testing in August 2023 showed where I am having the seizures, more testing Feb 2024. And now surgery,I assume. I have emailed numerous times and no response to get an answer. My mom has started cussing. I need to increase my work hours thinking I will get a response but it's been months. I have even called and left a message and no response. I know they are busy or doc could be unavailable but there are many others. So I am stuck at home with my 3 cats and have not driven in over a year

 

[Kwik]

My parents and I are very frustrated and anxious to get an answer to our question. :will there be surgery and when? My medical history is very long so to make this short. Testing in August 2023 showed where I am having the seizures, more testing Feb 2024. And now surgery,I assume. I have emailed numerous times and no response to get an answer. My mom has started cussing. I need to increase my work hours thinking I will get a response but it's been months. I have even called and left a message and no response. I know they are busy or doc could be unavailable but there are many others. So I am stuck at home with my 3 cats and have not driven in over a year

I'm not going to assume this is a specialist or a neurosurgeon you are frustrated with- in any event I if it were me I'd have looked for another physician ,It's unacceptable and there is NO excuse for putting patients on their " pay no mind's list

I suggest you start your search,go for consultations,bring your medical records and make your decision by not only their ratings and experience but by meeting your own expectations that are up to your standards

I would not patronize anyone's business that did not treat me well - be it the local grocery store cashiers ,pet store employees ,Dr,lawyer or gardener..... Plus they are getting PAID to do a job,you're not asking for any favors that someone will do in their spare time

I'm sorry you have gone through this terribly negligent treatment - you are not at their mercy or obliged to remain their patient

 

[nurseangel]

maggie101 I agree with Kwik . I understand where you are coming from and can empathize with your frustration. I don't know when putting the patient first ended, but I am a patient care advocate. I am terrified of being a patient at my local hospital because the last time I was admitted there, a nurse lied about me. They believed her! I don't think medical staff is obligated to suffer abuse, but I always made every effort to treat inmates with dignity and respect. I don't know when we got on the slippery slope of "let's kiss the doctor's and nurse's " but it has happened. I am a nurse and you are what is commonly known as right. I am so sorry you are going through this and pray it gets better for you, as well as your parents.

 

[Kwik]

maggie101 I'm praying for you with nurseangel by the way

She's 100 percent right about most people kissing these Dr & nurses butts and too many of them actually expect everyone will

Also,nobody really complains -Everyone has someone to answer to . The State medical board takes complaints seriously regarding health providers who do not provide quality care to their patients- this includes unprofessional behavior,inappropriate and unethical practice from insults to being ignored,minor or major grievances

Sometimes they just need be reminded they are not king or queen.I once had an appt to see a palliative Dr for the first time ,I had such excruciating tail bone pain from ( Stage IV cancer) ,could not sit on the waiting room chair and lied on my side on the floor in a corner of the waiting room - I was quickly reprimanded by the receptionist to sit appropriately in their rock hard chairs or wait outside!!!!!I complained to the Dr who had the audacity to tell me ' it doesn't LOOK good ' .... I wrote a letter to the Florida Medical Board,they called and I told them what happened and a couple of weeks later,to my surprise I received a letter of apology from that Drs office .... Imagine that but that was not satisfying to me,the fact that the complaint was filed and against them will prevent them from treating someone else so inconsiderately
You matter Maggie,you are important and you should be treated with the highest regard by your health providers - you deserve quality care

 

[NY cat man]

Until she retired, Michele was a nurse for nearly 40 years, working on a coronary care unit, and oh, the stories she would tell (but never any patient's names) of lazy, uncaring doctors with a God complex, as well as the few who went above and beyond. Many didn't want to come in at night if one of their patients was showing signs of distress, or they treated the nurses like dirt. She couldn't wait to get out of that place, and said that she would never go there as a patient herself.

 

[artiemom]

My parents and I are very frustrated and anxious to get an answer to our question. :will there be surgery and when? My medical history is very long so to make this short. Testing in August 2023 showed where I am having the seizures, more testing Feb 2024. And now surgery,I assume. I have emailed numerous times and no response to get an answer. My mom has started cussing. I need to increase my work hours thinking I will get a response but it's been months. I have even called and left a message and no response. I know they are busy or doc could be unavailable but there are many others. So I am stuck at home with my 3 cats and have not driven in over a year

I have a specialist whom I had a really hard time, trying to get answers to important questions about an infusion I was scheduled to have. I tried both email-- through the patient site and phone calls, to no avail. I was about to call her administrative secretary at an affiliated hospital, where she also practices.
Instead, I got the idea to make a follow-up appointment, just to ANSWER my questions.. not because I had an issue; nt because she requested it. Yes, I had to wait a while for the appointment, but at least I would have my answers.

When she came in for the appointment, I told her that I was fine. She looked at me. I told her I made the appointment because I could not reach her, to answer my questions.. Yes, Passive-aggressive, but something had to be done.

I worked my entire life around all types of doctors. I do not deal well with arrogant ones. They used to get me so anxious.. probably still do. Talking bout the ones with the God Complex, or the 'attitude'.
Since I worked in Boston, we used to call it the "Harvard" Attitude. Sometimes you are stuck, but I try to avoid these types.

I go across Boston to get my care. It is a pain, especially when I need a ride for a procedure; but I find these doctors more accessible. I do not go to Mass General Hospital; for this fact; even though they have satellites all around my home. I find them to have the "Harvard Attitude". I have also had a few issues with MGH and some of the physicians. I also do not go to a Boston hospital, where I used to work . The physicians are good; however the administration is ridiculous; with their thoughts, ideas, paperwork, etc.. I saw it first hand.

 

[klunick]

Have you let it play out a little? Just because there's hissing doesn't necessarily mean it will escalate into a fur flying episode- they have to find their respective place and sometimes they "raised voices " and yell at each other like people do from time to time(or any time-lol)

If you can distract them and reward them for calming down rather than shooing away or a time out that's a very positive approach ....I don't know how well yours pay attention to you or if you have thst type of control so it's just a suggestion as you know better than I your relationship with your cats

Are either of them harness & leash trained - thsts always a great way to keep control while you are at home to supervise ,so easy to grab a leash and stop a lunge or chase

Yes, I have let it play out when I can see that Gracie isn't reacting to Boone's hissing. She might look at him and then just walk away. The issue on Monday night was that Boone hadn't even hissed at Gracie before she was running after him which usually doesn't mean anything good will come next. Bushy tail didn't help either.

I have tried rewarding them for getting along but they don't associate treats with being good. Even tried treats to distract them when they aren't getting along. Not much can distract Gracie when she wants to be bad. If you ask my husband or sons, they would say I have the cats wrapped around my finger. Call their names and they come running to me wanting any sort of attention I will give them. Sometimes only have to look at them and they come.

I really only have one choice. Face the fact that every so often, they will fight and have to be separate for a month or more. It's never a big deal to either of them. It's only hard on me.

 

[Kwik]

Yes, I have let it play out when I can see that Gracie isn't reacting to Boone's hissing. She might look at him and then just walk away. The issue on Monday night was that Boone hadn't even hissed at Gracie before she was running after him which usually doesn't mean anything good will come next. Bushy tail didn't help either.

I have tried rewarding them for getting along but they don't associate treats with being good. Even tried treats to distract them when they aren't getting along. Not much can distract Gracie when she wants to be bad. If you ask my husband or sons, they would say I have the cats wrapped around my finger. Call their names and they come running to me wanting any sort of attention I will give them. Sometimes only have to look at them and they come.

I really only have one choice. Face the fact that every so often, they will fight and have to be separate for a month or more. It's never a big deal to either of them. It's only hard on me.

Yes,some cats are difficult to distract when they are fixated and determined-Im sure they are not phased in the least when separated ......

What did our parents used to say?This is hurts me more than it hurts you,lol Of course we didn't understand how that was even possible ,now we know!

 

[maggie101]

maggie101 I'm praying for you with nurseangel by the way

She's 100 percent right about most people kissing these Dr & nurses butts and too many of them actually expect everyone will

Also,nobody really complains -Everyone has someone to answer to . The State medical board takes complaints seriously regarding health providers who do not provide quality care to their patients- this includes unprofessional behavior,inappropriate and unethical practice from insults to being ignored,minor or major grievances

Sometimes they just need be reminded they are not king or queen.I once had an appt to see a palliative Dr for the first time ,I had such excruciating tail bone pain from ( Stage IV cancer) ,could not sit on the waiting room chair and lied on my side on the floor in a corner of the waiting room - I was quickly reprimanded by the receptionist to sit appropriately in their rock hard chairs or wait outside!!!!!I complained to the Dr who had the audacity to tell me ' it doesn't LOOK good ' .... I wrote a letter to the Florida Medical Board,they called and I told them what happened and a couple of weeks later,to my surprise I received a letter of apology from that Drs office .... Imagine that but that was not satisfying to me,the fact that the complaint was filed and against them will prevent them from treating someone else so inconsiderately
You matter Maggie,you are important and you should be treated with the highest regard by your health providers - you deserve quality care

Thanks for everyone's help in my frustration! I like your idea of writing a complaint. Downtown, an hour from me, is the only place in Houston that has all the equipment for testing and where my new neurologist is. My first neurologist was out of options of things to try since nothing worked. The neurologist is supposed to know more. It takes my 83 yr old mom an hour to get to my apartment. They pay for everything so I can't go anywhere else though I'm sure they are looking. I'm done ranting

 

[maggie101]

I have a specialist whom I had a really hard time, trying to get answers to important questions about an infusion I was scheduled to have. I tried both email-- through the patient site and phone calls, to no avail. I was about to call her administrative secretary at an affiliated hospital, where she also practices.
Instead, I got the idea to make a follow-up appointment, just to ANSWER my questions.. not because I had an issue; nt because she requested it. Yes, I had to wait a while for the appointment, but at least I would have my answers.

When she came in for the appointment, I told her that I was fine. She looked at me. I told her I made the appointment because I could not reach her, to answer my questions.. Yes, Passive-aggressive, but something had to be done.

I worked my entire life around all types of doctors. I do not deal well with arrogant ones. They used to get me so anxious.. probably still do. Talking bout the ones with the God Complex, or the 'attitude'.
Since I worked in Boston, we used to call it the "Harvard" Attitude. Sometimes you are stuck, but I try to avoid these types.

I go across Boston to get my care. It is a pain, especially when I need a ride for a procedure; but I find these doctors more accessible. I do not go to Mass General Hospital; for this fact; even though they have satellites all around my home. I find them to have the "Harvard Attitude". I have also had a few issues with MGH and some of the physicians. I also do not go to a Boston hospital, where I used to work . The physicians are good; however the administration is ridiculous; with their thoughts, ideas, paperwork, etc.. I saw it first hand.

My docs next appointment isn't til October but I will try that and be on a waiting list

 

[Kwik]

Thanks for everyone's help in my frustration! I like your idea of writing a complaint. Downtown, an hour from me, is the only place in Houston that has all the equipment for testing and where my new neurologist is. My first neurologist was out of options of things to try since nothing worked. The neurologist is supposed to know more. It takes my 83 yr old mom an hour to get to my apartment. They pay for everything so I can't go anywhere else though I'm sure they are looking. I'm done ranting

You can leave a voice-mail and warn them before you file a complaint

" I've left several msgs and no one returns my calls ,I came to you because of a referral saying what an excellent specialist you are but they failed to mention it is impossible to communicate with your office and my questions would go unanswered so this is my last attempt to contact you before I file a formal complaint with the Medical Board "

That would be me ,Maggie,not everyone is as assertive -I can rattle some cages,lol

 

[maggie101]

You can leave a voice-mail and warn them before you file a complaint

" I've left several msgs and no one returns my calls ,I came to you because of a referral saying what an excellent specialist you are but they failed to mention it is impossible to communicate with your office and my questions would go unanswered so this is my last attempt to contact you before I file a formal complaint with the Medical Board "

That would be me ,Maggie,not everyone is as assertive -I can rattle some cages,lol

Unfortunately,my mom is not like that. I would if I were the one with money

 

[MoochNNoodles]

It would be nice if budgeting and financial guidance was provided in schools for our young -much more useful than algebra and geometry throughout a lifetime- right?

I have a Consumer Math curriculum saved for my kids when they are seniors. Maybe Juniors but we do need to get through the “expected” algebra, geometry, etc too. Somewhere around here I have an Usborne/Paper Pie book on money management and another on economics. Economics was probably the most useful class in high school.

 

[kashmir64]

Bashful and Miss Eleanor have a similar love/hate situation going on. Sometimes, they will lie on the bed right next to each other taking the sun, and at night, when they jockey for position as to which will be where next to me, all is well. Other times, however, they will hiss at each other, with it sometimes escalating to swatting and chasing, the chaser and chasee being interchangeable. Mind you, these two have been under the same roof for over five years now, and it has been, for the most part, peaceful, but every so often they demonstrate that, yes, they are cat.

Onsa and Samai have been going at it for the past month. They are siblings and have always got along well...until lately. It's not just hissing either. I have had to separate them a lot lately. I try to let it play out...boundaries and all. But it usually ends in Onsa's head or throat ending up in Samai's mouth. That's when I step in.
With everyone's cat's acting up, it reminds me of Ghostbusters II when the ooze made everyone angry.....cat ooze.

 

[maggie101]

now have a motorcycle group in my apartment complex. They have not made any noise thankfully because they are a few buildings down from me. I plan on stopping by on my way to getting mail to say hi.

 

[Kwik]

Unfortunately,my mom is not like that. I would if I were the one with money

Oh no- no insurance? That's a biggie,best be quiet I guess

 

[Purrfect Meow]

You can be a squeaky wheel by leaving nice messages every couple of weeks as to when you are going to learn more. I new it would take about 6 months for a specialist to see me but my symptoms where getting worse as time went on so I kindly reminded the specialist that this and that was happening every two weeks just to keep him informed. Within 2 months he called me and said he had a cancellation and would see me now. Its funny how that works. Ever had a squeaky door. Sooner rather than later you are going to oil it.

 

[kashmir64]

now have a motorcycle group in my apartment complex. They have not made any noise thankfully because they are a few buildings down from me. I plan on stopping by on my way to getting mail to say hi.

Good on you.
Bikers have a bad rap - some deserved. I often rode with the local chapter of Hells Angels. Wasn't a part of them, but rode with them often. Took my son to BBQ's they had. Some of the nicest people you would ever meet.

 

[Mamanyt1953]

Until she retired, Michele was a nurse for nearly 40 years, working on a coronary care unit, and oh, the stories she would tell (but never any patient's names) of lazy, uncaring doctors with a God complex, as well as the few who went above and beyond. Many didn't want to come in at night if one of their patients was showing signs of distress, or they treated the nurses like dirt. She couldn't wait to get out of that place, and said that she would never go there as a patient herself.

I've worked with a few who had God complexes. Most frustrating people on earth. One was especially so. He had two physician's assistants who would, when they arrived, run ahead of him and THROW open the doors for him to stride through. One of my fellow respiratory therapists looked up one day when the doors flung opened, and drawled, "Well, well, well, it's Doctor D and his seraphim!" The entire ER broke into laughter. The guy was a jacka$$, without the intelligence that most of those remarkable animals have.