[lenjan]

1. Dr. offices here have stopped supplying samples because it's more "ethical" not to be "pressured" into what they prescribe by drug sales reps.

And then there are the people like me, whose budget for the next month, maybe two, just got blown out of the water by an unexpected $300 expense for a med I needed for a WEEK. And who then had to put off buying the "regular" meds, including the ones that make you sick as a farkin' dog after one day of not taking them (Effexor, anyone?). I finally had to give in and ask for a week's worth from the pharmacy till I get paid next week.

A week's worth was $25. I have $64, or did prior to paying $25 for a week's worth of Effexor. I have that $64 because my bank so generously gave me a cash advance at 120% interest so I could buy a tank of gas ($38 for 10 gallons), a box of pasta, a loaf of bread and the $300 injections.

Is it wrong of me not to give a crap about "medical ethics"? It seems kind of wrong-headed to me.

2. I was always under the impression that one should own one's mistakes. Apparently that lesson has bypassed the medical profession.

I finally canned one doctor because she booked for 15 minutes, spent 2 or 3 (seriously) with me, and asked me what I wanted to try next. Uh -- unfortunately, while I've had to become conversant in many things medical, I did NOT go to medical school. YOU did. So you're asking me because.....??

The lab screwed up yesterday. They were supposed to do two tests. They did one. It required another 20-mile drive into town today down a road that is being torn to shreds and was already potholed beyond my car's ability to cope.

I got the same tech I always get. We don't even talk anymore, I just roll up my sleeve and he goes for the gold, knowing well by now which is the "good" vein. Today I said, "Since I was just here yesterday, you might have to give the other arm a try today."

And he said....."You should have said something yesterday and we wouldn't have had to have you come back!"

Uh.

Last I read my resume, *I* was not trained as a phlebotomy tech. MY job is to show up, sit down, roll up my sleeve and point to where I think you'll get something out of me with the least amount of hassle on your part and the least amount of pain on mine. The colors on the top of each tube sure are real purty, but do I know what they mean? No. Do I know if, out of the one tube of blood you take, you can do more than one test? That would be my assumption, but no, I don't know. I write for a living in part because math, science and blood were not my thing. So WHY oh WHY are you blaming YOUR mistake on ME??

I told him I didn't know enough to ask and just assumed that what had been ordered was indeed being done. He didn't comment back.

Absolutely, it is a patient's obligation to be informed about his or her CONDITION(s). Do patients need to be informed about things that people with professional licenses allegedly are in charge of? I'm thinkin' not.

I've had a fever, cold and hacking cough for 2 weeks. I now am severely diabetic because of the g-d Seroquel and am having to deal with that. I didn't sleep for 2 weeks getting used to the Depakote, but now that that's adjusted, my hair is falling out in large quantities. I feel like death warmed over after 2 days with no Effexor. The smallest bruise on my stomach from the $300 injections is 18 inches long (I measured). I'm done. D - O - N - E done. I want this to be over, please. Any volunteers to put me out of my misery?

[Fuzzybear]

((((((((((((( Candy ))))))))))))))


Sorry it's only hugs but at least they're my hugs

Thinking of you bear buddy

[gimmeice]

((((((((((((candybear)))))))))))))
I have had a lot of problems with anything medical so I completely understand what you're saying. I used to buy all of my meds on week at a time, the people at CVS hated me.
I agree that doctors don't seem to take blame for their mistakes, and they really should start. I also don't think you are wrong to want the doctors to give out free sample, they really help people.

[PlanningtoLive]

{{{{{{{{{{{Candy}}}}}}}}}} my friend. No one should have to put up with all that you did. I'm sorry that you feel so horrible and are going thru all those injections and such.

I send you all the love and hugs I have for you. You need something, please let me know.



Mary Alice

[Perna]

It does make you wonder sometimes. All my grandparents lived to their mid-80's and I'll probably live until my mid-80's. . . unless the medical profession kills me first?

Hope things get better in some way for you soon, Candy.