Frustrating phone tag with doctor...

Posted by kimmiesue @kimmiesue, 7 hours ago

I've been dealing with several health issues lately, and it's frustrating when things move so slowly. My family doctor called me a couple of weeks ago to discuss my CT results. I didn't notice until I listened to her message on my VM after work. I sent her a message via our patient portal with the best time to call me. She called me again today when I was at the hospital getting a test done. She told me to send her a message with the best time to call. I told her I was off the rest of the day...I was really hoping she'd call this afternoon. I was exhausted but ditched my plans for a nap, in case she called again. Wishful thinking on my part... One of my issues is intense itching without rash that doesn't respond to antihistamines or anti-itch creams. I've been dealing with this for quite some time. It's at its worst at nighttime...I'm getting maybe 4-5 hrs sleep, hence the reason I was really looking forward to a nap. Late afternoon and I figured she probably wasn't going to call...started crying out of frustration and
fatigue. I desperately need to know what next steps to take, as I can't continue to function like this. I know I'm probably being cranky and unreasonable-- I do like her. It's just so frustrating to have so many more ?s than answers.
I apologize for the long rant. If you've made it to the end, thank you. I just really needed to let off some steam. I know many of you have been dealing with much more complicated issues for longer periods of time. Bless us all on our journeys...

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Miriam, Volunteer Mentor | @mir123 | 6 hours ago

I'd suggest setting up a telemedicine appointment with the doctor. Or zoom call. That way you both would be available and able to talk at the same time. Does the office offer that? It has helped me a lot over the past few years of medical issues. Hope you get some help soon.

pml | @pml | 4 hours ago

Hi Kimmiesue,
What an awful time you are having with the itching and not being able to connect with your doctor! Can you email your doctor? I go to the University of Washington Medical Center and they have an email system so you can contact your doctors. You might want to check and see if that's available with your doctor. Also can you call and talk to your doctor's assistant if you can't get in touch with the doctor? Doctors are very busy and deal with life threatening situations which probably explains why she didn't get back to you when you thought she would. But it's still frustrating. She did try and reach you but kept missing you. My husband died of lung cancer a year ago and his cancer doctor never even called me when my husband died! But our primary care doctor who also is in charge of the clinic, sent a very nice email and called too offering condolences about my husband's dying. Miriam's suggestion of a telemedicine call is a good idea if you can figure out how to do it. I've never done that.

About your itching, I recently had Shingles and that involved some itching. My doctor suggested putting Vaseline on the itchy area. It did help. It's very soothing but also messy. So put it on carefully.

Prayer always helps. Just tell God all your problems and cares. He will take care of everything for you. I'll say a prayer for you too.
PML