Last week was a total washout. First it was the summer tyres in 20 cm snow and then when I was moving the tyres, I strained my back. As if proof was needed that I don’t have a strong back… the tyres don’t weigh that much. But sure enough, it immobilised me and suddenly life became very difficult. Everything from standing, sitting, and lying down to moving around was painful. In fact, it just hurt, regardless. So when it only got worse the second day, I called the nurse for some advice. I was sure that it was only the muscles, but nothing like it has ever happened to me so I wanted to hear some reassurance that I should just take it easy and ride it out. Plain horse sense, but I wanted to hear the comforting words from a healthcare pro. So I called the advice line at the Ljusdal hospital. As soon as I explained my problem, the nurse told me to call the doctor instead. Huh, alright then. So I called the doctor’s office and got to speak with another nurse. When I got past the ”my back hurts” part, the nurse advised me to contact the physiotherapist. I told her that I can’t come to Ljusdal – I can barely move. Well, apparently the nurse subscribes to the ”attack is the best defence” strategy and asked me why I’m calling Ljusdal then. I tried to say that I just wanted some advice and my doctor is in Ljusdal and I don’t know the number for the Los doctor anyway. The nurse, obviously thinking that I wanted to see a doctor (euh, I was told to call the doctor when I called the advice line), informed me that the doctor can’t do much, it’s just painkillers and exercise that helps. Caught off-guard by this turn of events, I feebly tried to repeat that I just wanted to hear the prognosis, and she repeated that I should either get some massage or do some exercises with the physiotherapist. I reminded her that I can’t come to Ljusdal so the good nurse advised me that there is a physiotherapist in Färila as well. I had to bite my tongue. I mean, exactly how does that work? After I had repeatedly said that I can’t come to Ljusdal (58 km from Los), she figures that I can get to Färila (41 km from Los)? Oh yes, those 17 km apparently make all the difference when you can’t move! But, I controlled myself, and finally got my point through, I just simply wanted to hear the prognosis and reassurance that painkillers, Zon and taking it easy would do the trick and she confirmed this and said that it should go over in 2 weeks. Thank you kindly, it wasn’t really all that difficult, now was it?
This conversation is so typical. It seems that every time I contact the hospital or a doctor I just end up defending myself. Back in England I went through a round of frustration with the GP before he finally sent me to a specialist, who was able to diagnose the problem straight away (there’s a structural fault in my hip). A few years ago I had to go to the ER when my neck pain got so severe that painkillers didn’t have any effect and I wasn’t able to move my head. The whelp of a doctor told me that I should learn to know my body and do some sports. Well, fair enough, being active does prevent the frequent neck and shoulder aches so touché. What I was trying to say, I can’t bloody well move my head right now, please help me! I gave up and exited the room not knowing if I should laugh or cry. A year later I was diagnosed with high blood pressure which no doubt was partially responsible for the repeated aches. I know of a guy who went to the ER with a broken foot but had to wait for hours before tended to. And why? Because the nurse just didn’t believe him – there are so many people who complain about broken bones for no reason that the medical personnel just simply have become blasé and disregard them. The same way the GP disregarded the pain in my hip and the young doctor disregarded my stuck neck.
I have never complained about an illness I don’t have. I’m not fishing for sick leave. I’m not fishing for medication. I’m not fishing for anything – I’m just simply asking for some help! Even if my problems aren’t life threatening, they are serious enough to be a concern and the only thing the doctor or nurse needs to do is to take me seriously. The last thing I need is to be treated condescendingly and be put in front of the Spanish Inquisition and defend myself!
But while I complain about my frustration, I also have to admit that they are justified in their misgivings about their patients. I know that people fake illnesses just to get off work, or get compensation, or get drugs, or whatever. I know for a fact that there are people who bribe their doctor to prescribe extended sick leave and then enjoy their paid vacation in full health.
And it’s because of these losers that I have to defend myself during a simple call for advice. I despise them, even if the sentiment will be lost on them. They obviously abandoned all sense of morality the moment they decided they’re somehow entitled to leech off the people who stick it out and pay for the healthcare system which then dismisses the honest taxpayers during their hour of need.
That pisses me off.