March 31, 2021
Summerfield, Fl
Dad just shrugs his shoulders as he really is unable to comprehend why it takes several days, numerous phone calls, and enough push and shove to move a mountain to accomplish his goal. After all, we live in the days of modern technology with promises to make communication faster, easier and more efficient.
It began over a week ago when fluid began building up (for the second time) in the shoulder that had replacement surgery last August. The fluid collection began slowly and Dad figured by the time we returned home, he would need a visit to his surgeon to have it drained. That thought was revised when the hard, red, lump of fluid began growing exponentially. After contacting his surgeon and patiently (and if you really want to be truthful....impatiently as it took most of the day) securing an appointment, we cut our trip short and headed home.
Dad returned home from the doctor a tad disappointed as he still had his ever growing lump. Measurements were taken and the doctor decided some further assessment and tests were needed to determine the cause. Momma bombarded Dad with questions that he couldn't answer so she signed on to the patient portal and discovered that 3 items had been referred to Advent Health who would be calling to schedule. 1. A bone scan, 2. a Gallium Scan, and 3. (the procedure that would finally provide some relief) the Interventional Radiology Abcess Drainage.
No call that afternoon. No call from the scheduler over the weekend. No call on Monday. And then we were into Tuesday late afternoon when the call arrived. I heard Dad say, "you mean they can't do everything in one day?" It seems the scheduler needed to verify and she promised to call back early the next morning....and that didn't happen....so.....by using the 'recent call list', Dad called back the scheduler who said, "Oh yah, I knew there was something I needed to do this morning."
Momma happened to be right there so Dad put the phone on speaker mode. The scheduler began with ....well, next Monday....and that's when Momma got involved, explaining the discomfort and how long the process had been dragging on and voila!! The bone scan is on the schedule for tomorrow and the Gallium for Monday. When Momma asked about the Abcess Drainage proceedure, the scheduler said, I don't have any information on that. WHAT????? It's on his chart notes. It says to be scheduled by Advent. Thank goodness Momma read the on-line doctor notes summary.
Now you'll begin to understand why we said numerous phone calls. A phone call to the surgeon's office and a promise to re-fax to Advent and label it as urgent. Wait an hour. Call the Advent Scheduler...we were beginning to bond....and nothing had come in yet, but she would call as soon as it arrived. Shortly, the scheduler called to announce that a faxed sheet was received with Dad's name but no procedures. It was blank. And so the cycle of phone calls began once again.
As I mentioned, Momma had bonded with the scheduler who showed compasion by doing some advance contacting with the department who would perform the drainage to see if it would be possible to schedule for tomorrow (ah, relief).....IF they received the needed order, faxed from the doctor. Dad mentioned he could have walked the order from the doctor to Advent in a much shorter time than the modern, swift faxing took.
So relief is actually half a day away. Procedures 1 and 3 will take place tomorrow and the pressure will finally be relieved!! The fluid is now beginning to build down his arm from the shoulder. Ouch
The scheduler warned us that procedure 2 is a multi day event. Dad will need to return in 24 hours, 48 hours and possibly 72 hours. 'They will explain it all to you when you arrive.' Guess we better make sure he has a tank full of gas for his daily runs.
More good news. The scab Dad was hiding in his hair is no more. Healing is nearing completion.
Dad is right on target to be healed up and ready to enjoy the next campout.
I'm Chloe
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