letters not sent and calls not made

Writing can be very cathartic for me. Judging by the sheer number of blogs out in the internet world, I'm guessing that I'm not the only one. I've written my fair share of journals to get out my thoughts--and letters too. Not that I've sent the letters (you know how that goes-write it to get it off of your chest and not go against your better judgement by mouthing off about something that will kick you in the butt later), but it was good to write them.

So in that vein, here's the call I didn't make today (but oh, so desperately wanted to):

"Beep-beep-beep (that's me pushing contacts, F, and send)."

(Automated response) "Thank you for calling ____Pediatrics. Wah-wah-wah-wah-wah-wah, press zero." *pushes zero*

Finally a real person: "Good afternoon, ____ Peds."

Me: "Hi. I've been wating for a call from ***** (I'll save some integrity and keep that name to myself) since about 10 o'clock this morning in regards to my 3 month old. Could you please put me through to her?"

*****: "Hi, can I help you?"

Me: "I called at 10 this morning and then again around 4:30 this afteroon, you know, in reference to my poor 3 month old that has been screaming for about a month straight. We were supposed to talk today about changing her medications if they didn't work. Well guess what--they don't. She's still screaming. And actually, tonight has been the worst night yet. 2 hours straight. That's how long she was screaming for. That's how long I had to listen to my precious baby girl scream because neither you, nor the other 5 doctors at the pratice could take 2 minutes out of your day to return my call earlier. That's how long I had to sit and feel absolutely helpless because I couldn't do ANYTHING to make her feel better. I'm at my wits end because she's suffering and I can't fix it. You are supposed to help me, but you aren't doing anything. But then, what should I expect? Rory still hasn't gotten her 2 year shots because you guys can't get records straight. And don't even get started on when I called to check on it and your office staff told me 'Um, it's 4:30. You'll need to call back tomorrow.' I thought your office hours went until 5? I guess taking 30 seconds to look at a file for a patient that was TOLD TO CALL is a little too much. But I digress. I'm angry. My girl is suffering and now she's going to have to suffer for at least one more day because you were too busy. Thanks for nothing."

(I hang up before ***** could get a word in edgewise because she wasn't going to help anyway.)

I'm sure it would be the right thing for me to do to just swallow this and not post it, but I'm angry and I need to share it with someone other than the doc's office. Because even though they were worthless today (and a couple of other times, too), I'd rather not burn bridges with the girls' doctors. I have to have someone to take them to while I decide whether or not I want to move to a different practice.

Moral of the story - Don't mess with my girls.

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If you live in Greenville and have kids, go to Dr. Phillips at Eastern Pediatrics. He's WONDERFUL. On second thought... don't. If you ever have to switch doctors you'll never be happy. I know I'm not. Is it overkill to drive 2 hours for check-ups and sick visits? What if you know that no matter when you call, even if it's 9:30 on a Sunday night, the doctor himself (or now there's a herself, too) will answer and help you with your kid? Is it less insane then? Because I'm really thinking about it.