Irritated Beyond Belief!

 We left home at 11 am and returned at 6 pm. It was a long day. We went to the hospital with its many towers and pulled in to see if any signs could point us to the outpatient pre-op area. That would be too easy and make sense. I went into the closest tower, the blue tower and up to the handy information desk to inquire. The sweet little old lady consulted the computer and said, "Oh, honey you need to go to the separate facility that handles the pre-op testing." I told her that telling the patient this on one of the many reminder calls and texts they sent out. My bad. She then began to tell me where I could file a complaint and went on to say that maybe I should tell them when I got there.

We arrived at the facility that we had passed on the way to the hospital. The blue tower is the entrance I will need to take on surgery day, so at least I got some useful information.

My primary had given the printout of my blood panel to give to them and I avoided a needle. I signed all the necessary documents, and we even discussed the fact that my cardiologist had sent her release for the anesthesia. I left there just in time to get to my appointment at the surgeon's office. I had signed all the consent forms on my last visit and all they did was check my blood pressure and go over all my meds (again) and tell me what not to take for the next week. The surgeon stepped in for the briefest of chats.

I asked him why general anesthesia was in order for the surgery and asked why we couldn't just do an axillary nerve block and let me watch the surgery. I told him I could be counted upon to give a running commentary and even suggest things. He vetoed me watching the procedure telling me that all the sterile drapes would prevent my view. I suppose he never heard of cameras!

We had a nice meal before we headed home, and I marveled at all the antique and thrift stores along the route. The Man must have been so happy that they were closed for the day! Then we discussed all of the upcoming appointments that prevent us from traveling. He has an annual check-up with the vascular surgeon on May 11, then an appointment with our cardiologist on the 14th. I have to present myself back to the hand surgeon on the 13th. 

This means we can't leave as soon as I hoped, and I could take my own stitches out! So, I was going about my business this morning when the phone rang ........

Apparently, the surgical department was looking at my chart and called the surgeon's coordinator (he referred to her as "his girl". This is perfectly acceptable in the south, as everyone one is sweetie and honey and bless my heart). They were in a tizzy because I did not have an echo done yesterday. She told me that there is something wrong with my heart, like she was relaying a secret to me! I did not get blood work either, as I had the printout for one that had been done within 30 days. I reminded her that they had the release form my cardiologist and that I had had an echo done within that timeline as well.

The hospital was cancelling the surgery because of that! Do they not know the price of fuel? I told her that I refused to go back to Gainesville for a test that had already been done and if my cardiologist's word was not enough to go ahead and cancel the appointment and I would just learn to live with it, since I have been dealing with it for the past 9 months.

I used my fury to clean my bedroom to the nth degree! I am on my 4th load of laundry and still holding on to my grudge. They just called again to apologize. Someone dropped the ball and did not see the release in my chart. Should any misfortune happen due to my surgery, I told The Man to sue them!

I had already pulled the medication I am withholding until after the cutting open of my hand! I am not an unusually difficult patient under normal circumstances, but it is not like I having an organ transplant for heaven's sake. I am supposed to shower the night before with the solution she gave me and again in the morning, form my chin down. Geez, will I be made to strip all my clothes off and wear the ugly gown? Of course, why not?