The Vent and Rant Thread

[ownedbycats]

Well, I finally managed to get an appointment for my ear... after Christmas. I suspect it'll self-resolve by then. If it gets bad again, there's the ER and its 48-72 hour (minimum) wait.

I like how people are "well, if people didn't go to the ER for minor ailments the waittimes wouldn't be so bad." But what the everloving hell else can we do?

Urgent care, you say? Oh, that doesn't exist in my province.

[Sirtel]

Originally Posted by ownedbycats

Well, I finally managed to get an appointment for my ear... after Christmas. I suspect it'll self-resolve by then. If it gets bad again, there's the ER and its 48-72 hour (minimum) wait.

I like how people are "well, if people didn't go to the ER for minor ailments the waittimes wouldn't be so bad." But what the everloving hell else can we do?

Urgent care, you say? Oh, that doesn't exist in my province.

It's often the same here, so I know exactly how you feel. But here our GPs can prescribe medicines for minor complaints by phone, unless a physical examination or analyzes are needed. That's how I got the medicine for my TMJ pain in November, which solved the issue. I don't know if an ear infection would fall in the "help by phone" category, though. Perhaps they want to take a sample or something.

[ownedbycats]

Yeah, I tried a virtual appointment. They won't do anything because they can't physically examine the ear.

[badgoodDeb]

Originally Posted by Sirtel

It's often the same here, so I know exactly how you feel. But here our GPs can prescribe medicines for minor complaints by phone, unless a physical examination or analyzes are needed. That's how I got the medicine for my TMJ pain in November, which solved the issue. I don't know if an ear infection would fall in the "help by phone" category, though. Perhaps they want to take a sample or something.

Can I ask what they prescribed for TMJ pain? I’m on cyclobenzaprine, daily. I take it at bedtime, which also helps me sleep better. The med helps the jaw to relax overnight, so the next day has a less tense start.

[DiapDealer]

It wasn't the first eight times in three minutes that you referred to me--a total stranger--as "honey" that put me over the edge. It was the ninth (and tenth).

[Sirtel]

Originally Posted by badgoodDeb

Can I ask what they prescribed for TMJ pain? I’m on cyclobenzaprine, daily. I take it at bedtime, which also helps me sleep better. The med helps the jaw to relax overnight, so the next day has a less tense start.

Diclopram (diclofenac + omeprazole) pills. I took them for two weeks. Diclofenac helps in the case of an acute bout (which I had), but it's not suitable for long-term taking. Long term I'm not taking anything (besides antidepressants, which I have to take to the end of my life because I have had chronic depression since my late teens, but I guess they may help my TMJ as well. Since I'm on antidepressants, I've rarely had TMJ pain, a few times in 20 years, perhaps).

[Sirtel]

Originally Posted by ownedbycats

Yeah, I tried a virtual appointment. They won't do anything because they can't physically examine the ear.

I remember when I had an acute case of ringworm in 2013, which I got from a newly arrived cat in the shelter I volunteered in. I was covered with itching splotches basically from head to toe (very unusual, as ringworm typically gives you only a couple of those splotches). The earliest appointment to a dermatologist was in 2 months. Of course I got rid of the ringworm long before that time, by using an over-the-counter antifungal cream, so I canceled the appointment.

[ownedbycats]

Ugh, my balance is bad enough that I have to use my cane just get around the apartment. I usually only need it for uneven surfaces and stairs.

[BetterRed]

Originally Posted by ownedbycats

Ugh, my balance is bad enough that I have to use my cane just get around the apartment. I usually only need it for uneven surfaces and stairs.

If you can't get an appointment with a doctor is there a pharmacist you trust. I've been using the same pharmacist for 20+ years, during which time I've had 3 GPs. She has sometimes been able to offer a remedy for minor ailments.

But an ear infection that is having an effect on your already impaired balance isn't minor ailment… get thee to a physician.

BR

[4691mls]

Originally Posted by ownedbycats

Ugh, my balance is bad enough that I have to use my cane just get around the apartment. I usually only need it for uneven surfaces and stairs.

That's not good. Maybe if you contact your doctor's office again and tell them how bad it's gotten they will work you in?
Or does Canada have something like the Urgent Care clinics in the US, which take walk-ins?

I hope you can get some help.

[4691mls]

This isn't really a rant but more I'm mystified. I like to get takeout lunch and eat in my car. Often once I've finished my food, I will sit with my phone or ereader on my lap, I prop my elbow on the armrest and lean my face into my hand to block glare.

Three times in the past couple of weeks I've had people come up to check on me because they think I look like something's wrong.

Have they never seen someone read with their head propped on their hand before?

I guess I should be glad people actually care about a stranger but it's making me feel very self-conscious.

[badgoodDeb]

Originally Posted by 4691mls

This isn't really a rant but more I'm mystified. I like to get takeout lunch and eat in my car. Often once I've finished my food, I will sit with my phone or ereader on my lap, I prop my elbow on the armrest and lean my face into my hand to block glare.

Three times in the past couple of weeks I've had people come up to check on me because they think I look like something's wrong.

Have they never seen someone read with their head propped on their hand before?

I guess I should be glad people actually care about a stranger but it's making me feel very self-conscious.

Maybe make up a sign and store it in your car, putting it in the window when you read there. “I’m fine; I’m just reading!”

Heck, if you actually tape it up, it might block the glare!

[ownedbycats]

Originally Posted by 4691mls

That's not good. Maybe if you contact your doctor's office again and tell them how bad it's gotten they will work you in?
Or does Canada have something like the Urgent Care clinics in the US, which take walk-ins?

I hope you can get some help.

I don't have a doctor. I rely on walk-in clinics (a bit of a misnomer as they all require appointments these days). My province has no urgent care.

[Rumpelteazer]

Sigh. What I thought would happen has happened.

My mother was too late with ordering the Christmas groceries. She thought because my father was going to pick up the order (instead of having it delivered) it would be fine to place the order for pick up on Saturday on Wednesday. Of course all the pick up slots were full. She should know this, before I took over ordering groceries she did it for years. Granted that was for delivery. She thought that since picking up an order is quick they would have lots of slots. But an order has to be picked and that takes time, especially during the Christmas rush.

My sister managed to get a slot for Sunday with her grocery delivery company. There are a couple of things they didn't have, which I'll have to go get at our local supermarket today. The delivery isn't until mid afternoon on Sunday, so we'll be later than planned.

I was almost certain this would happen, and I knew it would become our problem and not our parents'. But I hope they learned from it. My mother did tell me she had already ordered for the 31st and found out the supermarket does deliver on their vacation park (when park reception is open they'll open the gate, if reception is closed you have to go open the gate).

[Hitch]

Originally Posted by Rumpelteazer

Sigh. What I thought would happen has happened.

My mother was too late with ordering the Christmas groceries. She thought because my father was going to pick up the order (instead of having it delivered) it would be fine to place the order for pick up on Saturday on Wednesday. Of course all the pick up slots were full. She should know this, before I took over ordering groceries she did it for years. Granted that was for delivery. She thought that since picking up an order is quick they would have lots of slots. But an order has to be picked and that takes time, especially during the Christmas rush.

My sister managed to get a slot for Sunday with her grocery delivery company. There are a couple of things they didn't have, which I'll have to go get at our local supermarket today. The delivery isn't until mid afternoon on Sunday, so we'll be later than planned.

I was almost certain this would happen, and I knew it would become our problem and not our parents'. But I hope they learned from it. My mother did tell me she had already ordered for the 31st and found out the supermarket does deliver on their vacation park (when park reception is open they'll open the gate, if reception is closed you have to go open the gate).

I dunno, Rumple--has anybody ever had that "enabler" conversation with you? I love ya, but DANG.

Your mum, if memory serves, is my age. Late 60's right? Or am I mis-remembering? Are your folks older than I am? I don't believe so. And I'm damn sure old enough to live with the consequences of my own damn mistakes and stupidity.(If they are a LOT older...that's a different convo.)

Why is her failure to think back or think this through YOUR problem?

Hitch