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        New Message Board Archives >> Jul-Sep 2003 >> Woot - First ER visit under my belt
        
(Message started by: Tiannia on Sep 5^th, 2003, 10:43am)

Title: Woot - First ER visit under my belt
Post by Tiannia on Sep 5^th, 2003, 10:43am

Well I had to go to the ER last night. With my kids in tow we hit the ER. The triage nurse calls me back to check my vitales and asks me what is going on. I explain that I have been told that I have custer headaches and that my MRI is scheduled for Tuesday. That I was prescribed Imitrex but could only get 6 pills through my insurance. That I am out and that I needed ANYthing that would make this pain stop. Her responce floored me. "Well if you will not take the medication just because you can not afford it, what do you expect us to do for you?" I wanted to scream. She stuck me in a room (leaving the door open) and went to discuss my case with the doctor. I hear "Well she can't afford her medication so she is not taking it, so I just send her home right." I was glad to hear the doctor say no. He came in and we discussed what was happening. He gave me an imitrex injection and some phenagrin because I could keep nothing down. It helped make it tollerable again. But I can still feel the shadow today. I have called my GP to see if there is anyway that I can get the O2 or some other way for the Imitrex to be perscribed that will allow me to keep these damn things at bay, where I can continue to function.

Is this par for the course when you hit the ER's and such with people who really have no clue what a CH is? It was very disheartening to have a nurse talk to me like that. It was crazy.

The good thing about it is that my hubby got to see what I really go through when they hit. This is th first one that he actually has been there or wake for. I think it really opened up his eyes to what CH are. I asked him to take a look at this site and OUCH and at least look at the medical info, even if he will not sign up.

Title: Re: Woot - First ER visit under my belt
Post by Carl_D on Sep 5^th, 2003, 10:51am

Some doctors and nurses can be the most insensitive shits on the face of the earth. Sorry you had to go through it. Had that been me in the situation, if in an attack - I'd have to pipe up "Hey bitch - I have no fucking money. You wanna pay for my script so I can get my meds, take them, and not have to deal with your pathetic ass?"
Actually, me in a CH attack...I'd be more crude and rude with a "Fuck you" attitude. If ya get to know me, I am a very passive person. Get me in a full blown CH, and there is no reason to the rhyme.
Again, sorry you had to go through that. Hope today is better and tomorrow even moreso.
Talk to your physician and tell him your insurance problem. He may be able to hook you up with some samples. When I tried Relpax, medicaid wouldn't cover it, so my doc gave me a bunch of samples. Just a thought.

Peace,
Carl D

Title: Re: Woot - First ER visit under my belt
Post by Melissa on Sep 5^th, 2003, 10:54am

hello Tianna,

Unfortunately, that is true about how most ER visits are like. That nurse could use an injection of patience and understanding with a LARGE needle! Anyhow, I am glad the doc was able to help you out somewhat. Good luck with your GP, I hope he/she can give you the meds you need!

:)mel

Title: Re: Woot - First ER visit under my belt
Post by don on Sep 5^th, 2003, 11:30am

Quote:

Is this par for the course when you hit the ER's and such with people who really have no clue what a CH is?

For the most part, it seems that way but it also seems that the tide is beginning to turn. 5 years ago that Doc might have agreed with that nurse.

Thats why awareness and education is so important.

JOIN OUCH !

Quote:

"Hey bitch - I have no fucking money. You wanna pay for my script so I can get my meds, take them, and not have to deal with your pathetic ass?"

LMMFAO. I love this place! Anybody who stamps their feet and leaves here has got to be nuts. LMAO

Title: Re: Woot - First ER visit under my belt
Post by kim on Sep 5^th, 2003, 3:21pm

Lots of ER stories, I'm quite sure of that :) For the most part the ER sux as a whole. Buzy people and if your not bleeding out ya can get shucked aside ........

I once had a nurse (who actually meant well) tell me she knows cluster headaches and that I really needed to have my "vessels expand"................... :o >:(.........I really wanted to strangle her at that moment.

Glad the doc was on the ball and well wishes******
Kim

Title: Re: Woot - First ER visit under my belt
Post by ckelly181 on Sep 5^th, 2003, 6:31pm

I've done the ER a number of times - I was pretty proud once when they gave me demerol and I puked all over the floor. "I just need imitrex..."

My mom used to train ER folks. She told me that the usual attitude of the staff is that headache patients are drug abusers looking to score. They're highly suspicious, and the "get 'em in, get 'em out" attitude of the staff doesn't work for those of us who need time and thoughtful consideration.

Sorry you had to deal with such nastiness. This whole thing makes me so weary. It's almost too much when you have to convince ppl that this REALLY HURTS.

Bleah. Hope you find your meds...

Chris