Update post, but still in limbo
So... my neurologist has basically written me off. He put on my medical chart that I have FND-functional neurological disorder, and doesn't want to follow up again. I'm working on getting a new GP, but we're back on strike here with doctors and nurses, for what seems like the hundredth time in the last four years. I support unions and I support workers and I support the medical community. But how am I ever going to even see anyone when they keep going on strike just before my appointments? What am I supposed to do? I don't cross the line, so here I am with an appointment in just a few weeks and they're on strike again.
Just frustrated, I'll get through and persevere.
I'm so sorry to hear that you're dealing with such frustration. It's completely understandable because trying to get a diagnosis can be frustrating in and of itself, but to have the added layer of stress from the strike, is a lot! What do you feel like you're seeking most? Is it the validation of a diagnosis, relief from symptoms, or something else? I'm sure it's probably "all of the above!" I just ask because sometimes, when I feel like I'm at a dead end, I try to look at the situation differently. Sometimes it just helps me to see a slightly new angle. I know you've been on this road for a very long time though, and I hope you see that you are having an incredible strength, endurance and resilience through it all, and we continue to be here to walk alongside you with it.
Best
Alene (team member)
The reach of your compassion for striking health care workers has set a new bar for me. I thought I had the empathy thing down pat, but after reading your latest comment, I need to take a step back and review! After 2 pulmonologists and their staffs dropped the ball with me in treating my sleep apnea, my anger (and anguish!) led me to this: They were all terribly burned out, and no longer capable of helping humans in need. So, I imagined them all losing their licenses and sent to Bermuda for a year-long vacation, after which, the medical board reviews whether they are healed, rested, happy, and able to treat humans again, with dignity and compassion, and helpful treatment options. But, this is a punitive scenario. Yours is not, it is respectful and mature in comparison to mine, and totally grounded in reality. Because of your post, I have much to ponder. Thank you for that 😀 Hugs, Kim, moderator thank you Kim! I like the idea of all the medical workers getting a trip to Bermuda, but I think I'd like to be exiled to Bermuda instead. Can we swapsies? 🤣
Seriously though, I thank you. And commend you. It's not often to find someone or multiple someones that really stop to reevaluate their mind frame and contemplate notions of compassion and empathy. I personally think that I'm probably exhausting to be around in real life, because what I give here in this community is me. Every day all day.
I have a pretty fiery temper, so it's probably pretty funny to see also. For example, I'll be in the grocery store trying to navigate all of the people and displays strategically placed to force everyone to stop, and I'm in the first section of my grocery list still and find myself in a shopping cart traffic jam when all I want is to get to my coconut milk. Immediately I jump to frustration -why are all of these people shopping at the same exact time as me? And how could so many people need CEREAL?! Then the anger as I catch sight of the person at the front of the line, standing in place with their cart parked diagonally to ensure no one can pass, staring at their phone. And as I feel that anger start... I immediately feel a touch of shame. And remember times that I've probably caused similar traffic jams. Looking back at the text from hubby while on an emergency grocery run picking up something that I'm not familiar with that we need. Searching desperately for that one elusive seasonings in the sea of seasonings and not noticing that others around me just want to grab some salt.
Simple example, but that's pretty much how I approach every situation I find myself in. As I say, I am a hopeless optimist who sees the good side of pretty much everything and everyone. I'm probably wasted as an accountant.... 🤣
