Re: Non appearance of Outpatient Appointment

[Guest guest]

Alright - this is where you put on the gloves and we stand

behind you going 'you can do it' and push you into the ring.

Seriously, there can't be only one person who can schedule

appointments at that office?? Who is backup when the scheduler is on

vacation?

Call the office and tell them that this is getting critical, explain

your situation and (more or less) demand an appointment as soon as

possible. I try to just be assertive but I've been known to get

downright bitchy when necessary. You can't continue to go without

taking in any food or fluids and I'm guessing they don't want to do

any procedures until they see the biopsy results so you need to do

that as soon as the results are available.

You can do it!!

Also, forgive me because there are SO MANY people here now and

everyone gets kind of mashed together in my brain sometimes but what

is your story? You had an -ectomy? How long ago? Do I remember

correctly that you've had a feeding tube for quite a while? Why? I

only had my feeding tube for about 1 month after my ectomy.

Good luck getting what you need. Keep us posted.

- in NC

>

> Hi Everyone

>  

> Have just found out this morning that the surgeon's secretary has

forgotten to arrange an appointment for me to be seen in clinic next

week for my biopsy results. Then I found out that she is off until

next Tuesday. What am I supposed to do now? Worry myself silly maybe.

My weight continues to drop off and mu new J Tube is only working

very slowly but not enough to nourish me enough. Ever since the

Gastroscopy last Thursday my throat has closed off again and I find

it difficult to swallow anything now. Oh hell.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Can you at least get a copy of the biopsy report? Tell them you think

you may not be able to wait and want a copy in case you go elsewhere.

notan

[Guest guest]

Leave a message and try to speak to the surgeon directly. Give them a time limit, max half a day. Then go over their heads. At the same time I believe the HAVE to give you your test results, which you should get all the time anyway. Have it faxed to you. Tell the radiology dept or whatever you will sign whatever release they have that you are receiving it w/o a doctor's appt. Often doctors don't make you come in for an appt. for results. They just call.

Threaten and go up the chain of command. Easier to apologize for humiliating them with poor office procedures after you get what you want. Threaten to go to the marketing department. Mention to anyone you speak to they are causing you harm, mental, physical and financial and you will take the appropriate steps rectify the situation.

Some good hospitals have a go-between person, whose job it is to kiss up to patients so they don't sue. They call it something that sounds friendly, but their goal is to prevent malpractice and calm down patients. Maybe someone here knows what those titles could be. It may be something like patient coordinator and they are very smooth.

Pick one or all of these approaches at the same time. Just in case, document it all, not that you would ever threaten a lawsuit, but if you keep a binder w/ dates and messages left it should intimidate anyone to take care of you. Keep a binder with all test results from all places anyway. Things blend together and we forget through the years.

If you are a verbal chicken, then write it down and fax it to every department you can think of... copy email them. Find your voice any way that is comfortable and demand service and fair treatment.

You go get 'em!

Sandy in So Cal

Just had my 4th myotomy anniversary and forgot it was even an anniversary. There is hope!

PS... Someone mentioned pancakes soon after a myotomy surgery. Pancakes are still harder than you would think for me to eat. No problem with a few sips of water, but they aren't the easiest. I don't need water often, usually a glass after a meal, but pancakes, even four years later need water with the meal.>> Hi Everyone> > Have just found out this morning that the surgeon's secretary has forgotten to arrange an appointment for me to be seen in clinic next week for my biopsy results. Then I found out that she is off until next Tuesday. What am I supposed to do now? Worry myself silly maybe. My weight continues to drop off and mu new J Tube is only working very slowly but not enough to nourish me enough. Ever since the Gastroscopy last Thursday my throat has closed off again and I find it difficult to swallow anything now. Oh hell.> >

[Guest guest]

Hi

Thanks for your support. Yes there is someone else who arranges appointments but without the say so of the original secretary she cannot go ahead with arranging an appointment for me but don't worry I am like a dog with a bone never letting go until I am satisfied and belive me I will get an appointment one way or another using diplomacy. Will let you know on this one what happens.

Had me ectomy in October 2004 and had my 1st J Tube in within 2 months. I had it removed after 6 months because everything was ok and the docs said that I no longer needed it. Had 6 dilations within the next 18 months and then eveything settled down after 1 year after that. Then I started to loose weight rapidly and the docs decided to reinsert the J Tube but due to an abcess at the wound site had to have it removed within 5 days and it was decided to let everything heal for a few months before trying again to reinsert the tube. Meanwhil my weight loss continued but at a slower pace. By the time I had the J Tube reinserted my weight had gone down to 6 stone from 8 and a half. By now after a further camera down my throat the docs spoted that scar tissue was building up where my stomach was reduced down to make a new gullet in my chest and was gradually blocking. They said that as my weight was continuing to go down it was more important to have the

feeding tube back. This was done last July using a small sized tube. This blocked within 2 weeks and I was readmitted into hospital to have the tube replaced withe a slightly larger one but once again it blocked while I was still in the hospital and had to have another larger 14 mm size fitted and thankfully it was ok. Re admitted to hospital las Sept. as I had an accident and the tube was accidently pulled out when I fell over in the house (I am only 50 yrs old). Had a size 16 mm tube fitted and sent home with once again another MRSA infection and 3 antibiotics. Arrangements were made for me to have this 16mm tube replaced last Feb. which was done ok. Tube lasted 6 weeks before showing signs of blocking up again and arrangements were made for me to once again to have a 20 mm size tube fitted and at the same time have the camera down to check on the scar tissue as I was having a lot of problems swallowing. It was at this camera session that the biopsies

were taken and the newer and same sized 20 mm J Tube fitted. It is these results that I am waiting for now. Whew what an eventfull story but true.

Re: Non appearance of Outpatient Appointment

Alright - this is where you put on the gloves and we stand behind you going 'you can do it' and push you into the ring.Seriously, there can't be only one person who can schedule appointments at that office?? Who is backup when the scheduler is on vacation?Call the office and tell them that this is getting critical, explain your situation and (more or less) demand an appointment as soon as possible. I try to just be assertive but I've been known to get downright bitchy when necessary. You can't continue to go without taking in any food or fluids and I'm guessing they don't want to do any procedures until they see the biopsy results so you need to do that as soon as the results are available.You can do it!!Also, forgive me because there are SO MANY people here now and everyone gets kind of mashed together in my brain sometimes but what is your story? You had an -ectomy? How long

ago? Do I remember correctly that you've had a feeding tube for quite a while? Why? I only had my feeding tube for about 1 month after my ectomy.Good luck getting what you need. Keep us posted.- in NC>> Hi Everyone> > Have just found out this morning that the surgeon's secretary has forgotten to arrange an appointment for me to be seen in clinic next week for my biopsy results. Then I found out that she is off until next Tuesday. What am I supposed to do now? Worry myself silly maybe. My weight continues to drop off and mu new J Tube is only working very slowly but not enough to nourish me enough. Ever since the Gastroscopy last Thursday my throat

has closed off again and I find it difficult to swallow anything now. Oh hell.> >

[Guest guest]

Hello

The only way that I can get a biopsy report is to see the docs at clinic. They will not give it out otherwise. Something to do with the risk of the wrong person getting their hands on it and patient confidentiality. But I will get an appointment see if I don't.

Re: Non appearance of Outpatient Appointment

Can you at least get a copy of the biopsy report? Tell them you think you may not be able to wait and want a copy in case you go elsewhere.notan

[Guest guest]

Hello

Believe me I am no verbal chicken and will get an appointment one way or another. I have only to say hello to several people from different departments and they recognise my voice straight away so yes I will get a biopsy report one way or another believe me.

Re: Non appearance of Outpatient Appointment

Leave a message and try to speak to the surgeon directly. Give them a time limit, max half a day. Then go over their heads. At the same time I believe the HAVE to give you your test results, which you should get all the time anyway. Have it faxed to you. Tell the radiology dept or whatever you will sign whatever release they have that you are receiving it w/o a doctor's appt. Often doctors don't make you come in for an appt. for results. They just call.

Threaten and go up the chain of command. Easier to apologize for humiliating them with poor office procedures after you get what you want. Threaten to go to the marketing department. Mention to anyone you speak to they are causing you harm, mental, physical and financial and you will take the appropriate steps rectify the situation.

Some good hospitals have a go-between person, whose job it is to kiss up to patients so they don't sue. They call it something that sounds friendly, but their goal is to prevent malpractice and calm down patients. Maybe someone here knows what those titles could be. It may be something like patient coordinator and they are very smooth.

Pick one or all of these approaches at the same time. Just in case, document it all, not that you would ever threaten a lawsuit, but if you keep a binder w/ dates and messages left it should intimidate anyone to take care of you. Keep a binder with all test results from all places anyway. Things blend together and we forget through the years.

If you are a verbal chicken, then write it down and fax it to every department you can think of... copy email them. Find your voice any way that is comfortable and demand service and fair treatment.

You go get 'em!

Sandy in So Cal

Just had my 4th myotomy anniversary and forgot it was even an anniversary. There is hope!

PS... Someone mentioned pancakes soon after a myotomy surgery. Pancakes are still harder than you would think for me to eat. No problem with a few sips of water, but they aren't the easiest. I don't need water often, usually a glass after a meal, but pancakes, even four years later need water with the meal.>> Hi Everyone> > Have just found out this morning that the surgeon's secretary has forgotten to arrange an appointment for me to be seen in clinic next week for my biopsy results. Then I found out that she is off until next Tuesday. What am I supposed to do now? Worry myself silly maybe. My weight continues to drop off and mu new J Tube is only working very slowly but not enough to nourish me enough. Ever since the Gastroscopy last Thursday my throat has

closed off again and I find it difficult to swallow anything now. Oh hell.> >

[Guest guest]

Hello Everyone

Have just beenon the phone and my biopsy results are not back yet from the Histology department. Have to ring again on Tuesday morning (it being English bank holiday next Monday) to see if they are in and to arrange an appointment to see the docs to chat about the biopsies and the amount of scar tissue build up in my new gullet. Will let everyone know when I phone on Tuesday what happens next. Have told the docs secretary that I am having problems swallowing the camera. Thanks for everyones support.

Re: Non appearance of Outpatient Appointment

Can you at least get a copy of the biopsy report? Tell them you think you may not be able to wait and want a copy in case you go elsewhere.notan

[Guest guest]

Hang in there - the worst part is the uncertainty from

waiting. It'll all work out.

Lee in Atlanta

[Guest guest]

Many thanks for you support Lee.

Re: Non appearance of Outpatient Appointment

Hang in there - the worst part is the uncertainty fromwaiting. It'll all work out. Lee in Atlanta