Becky is ranting! Warning - Long

Okay, ya'll. I try very hard to be patient, but... I went for my six month check up at Peachtree Bariatrics on Jan. 5th at 3:30. I had asked ahead of time about getting blood work done since I'm soooo tired. I waited for over an hour...no biggy. Dr. Fields did apologize for keeping me waiting, and I got a B12 shot. Well, they send me to the lab across the hall for bloodwork at 5:03. The lab closed at 5:00, so the person working there said I would have to come back another day. I walked back to PB, and asked if I could go to a lab closer to home to save the two hour drive. I called insurance and found a lab within a mile of work, and went for bloodwork the following Wednesday, Jan. 12th. I gave them my paperwork from PB for results to be sent to the surgeon's office. I have called three times this week trying to get my results. Shante' told me to call Lab Corp and have them fax to a different number. Lab Corp will not accept info. from me the patient because of some "Heffer?" law, so I called back and left a message on Monday. Called and left a message on Tuesday...no response. Called again today, Shante' is out because of a family emergency, so I asked to speak with someone else...got voice mail again. The frustrating part is that there have been several times this week that I have been very light-headed, like an out-of-body experience, and I am a little concerned. I have even told my parapro not to be worried if i faint, I'm not hurting or anything..just dizzy. All I want is to know whether or not my body is absorbing the vitamins that I am taking, and I want a prescription for B-12 shots. Should it be this difficult??? I had problems with paperwork before surgery but thought it was due to leaving voice messages for a person out on maternity leave. I don't know about you, but I HATE voice-mail. I have been nice on the phone, but I am now frustrated. Please say a prayer that I find out my results before the weekend, and that I act in a kind manner when I call again. I hate acting ugly...I always fell very guilty later, and it usually doesn't help. End of long rant!!! Hugs, Becky

Becky, I am so sorry for what you are having to go through. I don't think anyone should be treated like that. It is supposed to be life long committment, but it is hard when you dont get the cooperation from the office staff. I have not been through the surgery yet, but being a nurse, it does sound like a type of vitamin deficiency. Does your PCP support you in your surgery? If so, go see him/her to have them do the blood work, they should be able to give you some help. Hope you can get it straightened out...and I will pray for you. D'Lynn

Thanks for your feedback, D'Lynn. I actually gave my PCP's fax number to PB and asked that the results be sent to Dr. Bakshi. Dr. Bakshi is great. In fact, she had already asked me to be sure to have the results sent to her ASAP. She probably didn't order tests, because I told her that Peachtree would do it. Thanks also for your prayers!!! Becky

I'm sorry you are having so much trouble, I hope you can get some answers soon. I will keep you in my prayers. HUGS Tammy Gunter

Thank you, Tammy!!! After I sent the whiny post, I wanted to take it back, but...I sure do need the prayers! Becky

Becky I know this may sound a little crazy, but send the lab where your bloodwork was done a request for the release for your labwork to you. Send it by certified mail, return receipt requested. That way you know they got it. They have to release your copies of your records to you. Also I would ask to speak to the site manager of the lab and explain to him that if your records are not released to you or your physician immediately and you suffer any medical problems you will have to seek legal recourse because they have withheld information that is vital to your health and well-being. You need to have the lab results in order to know if you are anemic or iron deficient which can both cause the light headedness and faint feeling. Get tough and get your results. Carolyn

Thank you for the great advice, Carolyn! I bet since you are so knowledgable about this situation, that you know what the "heffer" law really is! The people at the site where the bloodwork was done were very nice. The Lab Corp people were not. They let me know that they had the results, but would not share them over the phone. The fax number on the paperwork must be the problem. With a certified letter, I can get tough and remain calm! I appreciate your feedback! Becky

Thanks, Sabina, How in the world I got "heffer" from "Hippa" I will never know! How sad!?! I'm beginning to think it would have been a lot easier to go through my PCP. My usual labwork is done in my PCP's building. Have a good evening! Becky

Becky, I agree with Carolyn. It definitely sounds like it's time to become a squeaky wheel with the lab. You can say all the things she suggested and still be pleasant, just strong about your position. As I recall, even walking on water didn't mean He had to be sweet all the time, not when something else was called for! Good luck to you, Cheryl

Thanks, Cheryl, I agree that Carolyn's suggestions were great! If I had to be sweet all of the time, I would collapse from anal retention. As it is, I am fairly regular. LOL Thanks for your input! Becky