Break ups are terrible! You read about them on the tabloids while waiting to check out at your local grocery store. You read about them on Facebook. You hear about them at sporting events. It's never a positive story. My break up is no different. And to add insult to injury it was on the phone! Yes, the phone! Because I enjoy blogging and it clears my mind, let me break down the break up for you. It went down like this: "Yes, hello, I need to make an appointment for my husband." The receptionist replies with the busy time of the year, everyone's sick response of "sorry, we don't have anything today." Now in the back of my mind, I made an appointment last week and was told the same thing, only, it was added, kindly, "no appointments today, unless you're sick." Ok, I get that. My appointment was for only for prescription refill. I make it when available and roll with it. Again, I understand. Today, was a bit different. Now, I briefly explain to the office staff that he is not running fever, but it's possible he has a small staph infection on his finger. (LONG story, but trust me) and again, "we don't have anything." "He will have to wait." Now, in falls the interesting part. I say, not with a tone, a simple person to person question, because if you don't ask, you will not know. Correct? Me: "are the appointments booked for everyone including the nurse practitioner?" Often with this particular office, you need to specify. And it goes south, fast, "[HUFF]. YES." "I told YOU we were full." ....... pause..... she just HUFFED me. A patient. Long time. Over a question. I am still wearing my Nice Hat, because in all honesty, the stomach bug has hit our house and I am too tired to be snippy. Snippy takes energy. I am all out! After the huff and the toned YES comes this.... ready, it's THE BREAK UP. "If the clinic's schedule or policy does not fit the needs of your family any longer, let me suggest you find another clinic to suit your family's needs." BAM. Just like that. My doctor's office broke up with my family. I'm left clinging to the phone. Shocked. Single. And now alone on the phone. Does Dr. know she just broke up with my family?
Now, I am running all sorts of scenarios through my mind as often you do when there has been a break up. I should have said this, I should of said that, did I offend this way, did I offend that way. One random Wednesday call ended it all; a long term medical relationship, gone. In all fairness, due to my employment, I go out of my way to understand anyone's staff and the position and the moment. I am fully aware my family is not the only patient and never have I acted as so. I am patient when I have to ask twice for a pharmacy call; I pay my bill. But, I just got dumped! Break ups are not easy; especially when it's "sick season with three kids".
