Nov. 24, 2004 - 9:56
So i stayed home from work yesterday, slept in, made eggs, and walked to the lower east side health center. I should've known from the ripped and torn "ethics of care" sign on the wall it was going to be difficult. I waited an hour and a half to see a physician. there were several crying toddlers and a couple mothers who I questioned on parenting skills. When a baby is crying do you tell them to "Shut Up!" at decibel 10? damn it worked my nerves.
I read ted hughes "the birthday letters" (for sylvia plath) until they called my name. just to be down with the vibe.
The doctor was a sr. resident, and he was really thorough in asking lots of questions about my general health and interests, etc. He seemed cool. He liked the Pixies. He determined my bug was most likely a virus, not sinusitis, but he had to check with the Sr Doctor about it. In walks sr. doc and I hate him instantly. He says to me in an impatient tone, "So you USED to get sinus infections but don't anymore?"
Jesus frickin christ why is this an interrogation?
"Yes I said, "I used to get them when I first moved here and in college frequently but the past few years I've been really healthy".
He then turned to young doc and they talked about me in front of me for 5 minutes.
"so what do you thinK? if it's viral we don't need antibiotics.
"hmm let's give her baci....blah blah. just to be on the safe side".
"um hello! i'm right here!" (they continued their conversation).
Then sr. doc left the room after writing out a prescription for baci..blah blah and handing it to me.
"God he makes me tense", i told young doc. Young Doc says, "He's on edge because he sees about 40 patients every afternoon."
(still I felt slighted and annoyed. they should get some other newbie residents down to this clinic to help out, don't you think? make some of the prickish elder statesmen retire).
Then young doc told me to see an ear,nose, and throat specialist if I ever get health insurance- for the popping in my ears and allergies and sinus problems.
I spent 100 bucks for that consultation. luckily the antibiotics were 20 dollars.
It was a very expensive day. The only thing easing my monetary stress from missing work is the fact that I actually do feel better from a day at home.
i'm mad at this whole system of health care. I feel that i am entitled to get medical care without it costing me so much money. I hate that i had to MISS work to get the medical care and if i'm not AT WORK i don't get paid.
and it makes me mad thinking that i possibly COULD HAVE fought this bug naturally.
In case you couldn't tell i'm really cranky.
i feel like a wounded tiger.
