Wednesday, January 12, 2011

First Nurse @&#$*!

Ok, I think that McFarland Clinic needs to give their nurses who man the First Nurse phones some sensitivity training, or something.

I called last night to ask a question about taking ibubrofen (see previous post). It was kind of embarassing because I had to tell the nurse about my "poop problems" and bleeding and such, which was why I was concerned about taking the ibuprofen, because you aren't supposed to take it if you have GI bleeding.
So anyways, the nurse pulls up my chart on the computer and she says "I see you have anxiety and depression......." in a way that made me think that she thinks this has something to do with what I am talking about. This has happened before. I don't know why they have to bring it up! It has nothing to do with my costochondritis or GI bleeding! Then she said "you are on lexapro, prisiq, trazodone, and buspar. Wow, that's alot of medication! You take all that medication!?"
I was beyond irritated by this comment. First of all, that's not really that much medication. I have been on more in the past, and I know alot of people with mental illness that take more medications than that. But it was mostly the tone in her voice that bothered me. It was a judging, dissapproving tone. I know what you are thinking, that I was probably just embarassed and feeling sensitive (and I was), but really, she used the tone. Then she just didn't say anything, I guess she was waiting for me to answer her ridiculous comment, so I just said "yeah" and got back to asking her about my real problem. But fot the rest of the conversation, she talked to me in that "careful, this lady might be crazy, so lets not upset her" voice. You know, the too-friendly, overly slow, carefully enunciated way that people speak to children/the elderly/mentally ill.

Yeah, I was about done after that. I said "thanks for the help" click.

But the good news is, my chest is feeling a little better, and today I POOPED!

Maybe she annoyed the crap out of me.

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Nurse Fail!

She must be fresh off the farm or something b/c that really isn't that many meds or even that odd to take in combination.

If you feel up to it you could file a complaint. You called for an objective medical opinion, not her personal one. You are so right. Unless it's relevant to your question, there was no need for her to bring it up at all. I wonder if the local NAMI chapter might be able to help.

I'm glad you're starting to feel better.

kris said...

Wow, that would annoy the heck out of me too!!

AND, that really isn't very many medications to be taking. In the pharmacy today, we filled a prescription for a woman on eight different medications and that was just half of what she picks up every month they said!

Also, everyone with type II diabetes seems to be on a minimum of three medications. It seems pretty standard to fill prescriptions for at least three meds.

For one our classes we are supposed to find two volunteers who are on three or more meds and two who are on five or more meds. According to our teachers, it won't be hard for us to find people (though I don't know too many people who are eager to communicate with student pharmacists for drug advice).

Anyhow, my point is that many people are on quite a few meds and that nurse must be new or something. Even when I come across people on a lot of meds (like the lady picking up eight) I think it'd be rude to make such a remark!

Also, you totally called with a relevant question that lots of people have.

I hope you feel better today :)

Sairs said...

I hate it when people treat you like that. There is a nurse in the public hospital that I have been to before who is really rude and she doesn't care at all. There is also a doctor there that told the last time I was in hospital that she used the last bed on me and a psychotic guy didn't get one because of me. I was so angry. I hope you are okay!
*hugs*
Sarah

Anonymous said...

If only bitchslapping could be done through a phone!!!

Anonymous said...

By the way, I take more medicines than that and have for some time. I don't LIKE that fact but oh well, it is what it is. It's not like we take them for fun, you know? Geeeez.

Anonymous said...

"Maybe she annoyed the crap out of me."

HAHA, loved this!!

Angela Elain Gambrel said...

"Annoyed the crap out of me."

LOL!!!! I love this too!

You have a great sense of humor. Call her back and tell her how she did help you after all!

Seriously, though, I think you should talk to those in charge. Her comments were rude and unprofessional.

lisalisa said...

Erin, I should have told her that I am actually taking fewer meds now than I was when the Dr. at HER clinic was prescribing them!

(if that makes sense)

I Hate to Weight said...

i despise when medical personnel are condescending. i had such trouble when my mother was in the hospital. it was really scarey. i had to fight for her dignity constantly.

often nurses are the absolute best and kindest. i have so many good experiences too. Sorry you had to deal with this! you are entitled to check on health issues that concern you whenever you want to!!!

hope you are feeling well.

Eileen said...

I stumbled upon your blog through google reader. I adore your writing and I am grateful you share your story so bluntly. I felt less alone when I read your words. You are a superhero battling everything while still being a mom. You are awesome and give me hope. Thank you xoxo