Yes indeedy!
As I have mentioned, my reaction to wasp and bee stings seems to be getting progressively worse each time I am stung. I am concerned that it will develop in to a full out serious allergy and I may have a life threatening response to a sting soon.
Well, yesterday, the day after my last adverse encounter with a wasp, I called the doctor's office, first thing in the morning, to get a prescription for an epi-pen. I figured it was easy enough. I know many people who have asked their doctors and were given scripts without much fanfare. Several of these people do not even have allergies, they get them to augment first aid kits and the like.
I figured at most, they would make me come in to see the doctor as a formality.
Nope. It was not until mid-afternoon before I was called back. Even though I explained exactly what has been happening and why I feel the need for an epi-pen. They had even agreed with my assessment. They asked if I could come in that evening. No, I cannot. I can come now. In fact, I had been in that part of town for an errand and actually went in to the doctor's office to hopefully see the doctor. No dice, the doctor did not even know yet. I was still hanging around that part of town in order to be there within minutes once the doctor was informed of my issue and concerns. Sorry, the doctor is booked solid.
I asked if they could call in or email my prescription to my pharmacist. No, can't do that? So, you are telling me I cannot get a prescription until I see the doctor. No, it is more involved than that. How? Well, you will probably be sent for allergy testing and you need to be aware there are different kinds of epi-pens with different medications and doses for different allergies. Well, I still can't come tonight, or tomorrow. Well, the first available appointment is three weeks from now. My response? Well, I guess I'll have to take my chances and hopefully I won't get stung again before then.
No, flipping sympathy or compassion.
So, here is the skinny on epi-pens that took me a few minutes to unearth on the interweb. Yes, indeed there are different doses for epi-pens: they are EpiPen for adults and children weighing over 30 kg (66 lb) and EpiPen Jr. for children weighing between 15-30 kg (33-66 lb). That is all, that is it. They have my weight on file. They know I am an adult. If I have somehow dropped my weight to between 15-30 kg, I have some other very serious issues. There are no other types of epi-pens. Nothing specialised for other types of allergies.
So, you know what. Sure, be concerned. Sure, send me for testing. However, in the bloody meantime, call in a prescription for one, and only one, epi-pen (regular dose) in to my pharmacist. Then when I go in three weeks, you can dick me around and then arrange for me to get allergy testing, which will probably take several more weeks before I get an appointment.
No, no, it is okay. If I die in the meantime from a wasp or bee sting, you can rest assured and sleep well at night that you followed your ridiculous procedures. Hell, I will never know anyway. I. WILL. BE. DEAD!
So, here is my problem. People in specialised fields, such as, but not limited to, medicine, engineering, computers, think anyone who is not formally educated and/or working in their respective discipline, are complete morons and surely cannot comprehend or understand these lofty matters. They often condescend or respond to informed people with arrogance.
The baloney I was given by the doctor's office about various epi-pens and doses? They gave me incorrect information. I was quite certain at the time too and just checking on the epi-pen website confirmed their wrongness.
Just because I do not work in the medical field does not mean I do not understand my situation and how to prepare for a potentially serious situation. Every time I get stung by a wasp or bee, my reaction increases in severity. Epi-pens are a solution for post sting treatment if severe. I understand that, but the doctor's office, and apparently, my doctor do not understand this.
So, while typing this I became "upset". It really is not the correct word, but I do not want to use the word angry; that does not fit either. So, I called my doctor's office hoping I could speak with and rationalise with the doctor. They are closed, at 3:00 PM today and they stopped taking calls 30 minutes before that. I am not impressed.
It has been a bit over 48 hours (2 days) since I was last stung. My arm is in more pain than yesterday, which hurt more than the day before that. It is still numb as well. It is so weird that it hurts and is numb too. It is also hot and slightly swollen, but some of the redness is gone. My throat was quite irritated yesterday and this morning; all potential symptoms of an allergic reaction. I now have to wait the weekend before trying to talk to my doctor directly. If I drive down Monday morning and wait until the clinic opens, I may be perceived as aggressive. So, I will try calling and hopefully be able to speak with my doctor. Apparently, none of the other doctors at the clinic are able to speak with me and give me a prescription.
I am basically screwed. I should change the name of the blog to: The Rooster Cannot Crow At Midnight Because The Wasp Stung At Midday. blbbl
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