While my vote is still out on government funded health care*, something's gotta give.
My ears felt stopped up, so I tried to remove wax with a wax softener and irrigation. Four days later, the stopped feeling progressed to severe pain. This was also with a cold with the usual nasal complaints along with some dizziness. Apparently, the germs that caused my respiratory system, decided to stroll over to my ears. (Well, they all share a bit of common space, but still!)
I go to a walk-in clinic and get diagnosed with an ear infection. I'm prescribed an anti-biotic with the side effect of diarrhea. Dizziness gets worse to the point of the room is spinning when I roll over in bed and what I see feels like my head is really a bobble head doll. Eureka! I know what's bothering me: my ear crystals have gotten out of whack. I also know a simple 15-minute manipulation called the Edley maneuver will fix it like it has in the past. I call the audiologist that has treated me in the past. He doesn't do it anymore, so I'm referred to an ENT. They won't see them unless I have a proper referral from a doctor. I call my PCP and God knows how long it's going to take before I can get an appointment.
The next problem is that I'm out of thyroid. I knew I was running low, so I didn't request a refill because the endocrinologist that treats my osteoporosis drew thyroid labs. I have a history of several dosages based on labs. The results come in and my doctor calls in the Rx for my thyroid. The pharmacy doesn't have it in stock. Two weeks later, it's still not in. I take what I have left yet ran out a week ago. WTH? If I can't get something due to a shipping problem, I find a substitute or do without. But medicine? It's not like insulin or something else that is critical, but again WTF how can it take so long to get it?
Now intellectually, I know that referrals are often required. I also know many people make appointments based on what Dr. Google has told them. In the meantime, I'm sitting here with minor ear pain lingering from the infection and come close to losing my balance when I move my head. And the tinnitus seems to be louder.
*It's not lost on me that my insurance is Medicare, and my pharmacy plan is through Tricare military benefits. Both are government funded. I am grateful that between the two of them I paid nothing for all the care related to my hip fracture and somewhat recent kidney stones. And I'm still pissed. The Epley maneuver is so ridiculously easy, maybe 15-20 minutes at most. After it, I get my balance back and lose the nausea caused by the dizziness.
I don't expect any answers, just want to scream and DH is tired of my bitching. Rant over. Please resume what you were doing and thanks for listening.
My ears felt stopped up, so I tried to remove wax with a wax softener and irrigation. Four days later, the stopped feeling progressed to severe pain. This was also with a cold with the usual nasal complaints along with some dizziness. Apparently, the germs that caused my respiratory system, decided to stroll over to my ears. (Well, they all share a bit of common space, but still!)
I go to a walk-in clinic and get diagnosed with an ear infection. I'm prescribed an anti-biotic with the side effect of diarrhea. Dizziness gets worse to the point of the room is spinning when I roll over in bed and what I see feels like my head is really a bobble head doll. Eureka! I know what's bothering me: my ear crystals have gotten out of whack. I also know a simple 15-minute manipulation called the Edley maneuver will fix it like it has in the past. I call the audiologist that has treated me in the past. He doesn't do it anymore, so I'm referred to an ENT. They won't see them unless I have a proper referral from a doctor. I call my PCP and God knows how long it's going to take before I can get an appointment.
The next problem is that I'm out of thyroid. I knew I was running low, so I didn't request a refill because the endocrinologist that treats my osteoporosis drew thyroid labs. I have a history of several dosages based on labs. The results come in and my doctor calls in the Rx for my thyroid. The pharmacy doesn't have it in stock. Two weeks later, it's still not in. I take what I have left yet ran out a week ago. WTH? If I can't get something due to a shipping problem, I find a substitute or do without. But medicine? It's not like insulin or something else that is critical, but again WTF how can it take so long to get it?
Now intellectually, I know that referrals are often required. I also know many people make appointments based on what Dr. Google has told them. In the meantime, I'm sitting here with minor ear pain lingering from the infection and come close to losing my balance when I move my head. And the tinnitus seems to be louder.
*It's not lost on me that my insurance is Medicare, and my pharmacy plan is through Tricare military benefits. Both are government funded. I am grateful that between the two of them I paid nothing for all the care related to my hip fracture and somewhat recent kidney stones. And I'm still pissed. The Epley maneuver is so ridiculously easy, maybe 15-20 minutes at most. After it, I get my balance back and lose the nausea caused by the dizziness.
I don't expect any answers, just want to scream and DH is tired of my bitching. Rant over. Please resume what you were doing and thanks for listening.
