7-26-12     3:01pm

Wow. That is ridiculous. I just called a doctor’s office to request records they failed to send to Social Security. And the lady went off on me. I tried to listen with empathy but finally I said, “Well, I can see how that sucks for you, but it sucks for me too.”

She was telling me how she’s begged and pleaded with Social Security and doesn’t understand why they can’t send someone to the office to copy the records. That she has SO many records she has to do and send and that it’s only her in the office and she’s overwhelmed. (silence) Okay. There are many solutions to this problem. Telling me is not one of them. It’s part of a medical practice to keep records and distribute them as needed. It’s a huge part of a neurology practice that specializes in serious illness. It is unacceptable to be unable to provide the requested documents in a timely manner because you overwhelm your staff and they’re freakin’ out. She literally asked me why they couldn’t just come copy them. I told her that would be a breech of privacy. She said it wouldn’t. Yes it would. To allow access to all patient records by an outsider with copy privileges IS a breech of privacy, in the biggest way. I felt sorry for this lady but I still need those papers.
She said she’d get to them when she can. I said, “Is when you can a month? six months?” She said not six months. (deep breath)

She seemed to think there was a vast pool of resources and available people to just gallivant around town making copies in offices. I’d make the copies myself but she didn’t ask. I’d send her a nice card but I don’t want her to think I’m manipulating her. I’m not sure what to do. The SS guy wouldn’t call me back so I talked to his supervisor today who was so very nice. I was surprised. They’re usually not. (just keep breathing.)

I completed my goals today – make needed phone calls. Email is beyond me. I’m exhausted now. If you’ve sent me an email recently and not received a response, you’re not alone. I’m avoiding it entirely. I just delete what I know is not relevant. I am easily spooked and set off, angered or upset. And I can’t think to deal with business issues. Or any other issues of the sort. I look forward to getting on the bus and riding away. No Acer foreign representatives to frustrate me. No mom on the phone with her boyfriend who is preparing for a tornado, literally. Why do people live in places with tornados? I don’t know. I feel slivly. No, I don’t know what that means.

I’ve been writing a lot. A LOT. I’m glad I see Dr. N next week. I saw him this week too. Dropped off 22 pages of writing yesterday. Too much stress. Life doesn’t come with airbags. I am exhausted.

© Michelle Routhieaux 2012