Add It Up...

I'm going to try & be objective about my trip to Tulsa for my HIV specialist.   For reminder, I normally do this in my town via the telemedicine bus.   Yesterday, I had to drive there & back.  

We left about 10:30 AM.   I left a little earlier than necessary because possible bad weather was in the forecast & the office had moved since the last time I was up there.  This extra 30 minutes gave me wiggle room.  Turns out I didn't need it.  

I got to the place at about 12:30.    I went in the building early to make sure I could find the office & knowing there might be paper work to fill out.  My appointment time of 1:00 PM came & went.   I was this new doctor's 1st patient of the day.  

At 20 after a nurse took me back & did the most scant vitals I've ever had done for an appointment.   She got my weight, the slapped the automated  blood pressure device, the oxygen reader & thermometer on me.  After that she left.

It was almost 15 minutes later this doctor showed up. He looked at my labs,  Asked if I was tolerating my regimen & gave me more blood work he wanted for next time.  2 - 4 minutes top was all he was there.   I'd driven 2 hours, waited inside nearly an hour & all he can give his 1st patient of the day is less than 5 minutes.   He didn't even ask me if I had any questions & anything I needed to talk about.

I made my appointment for in November.   He wanted several new tests.  The fasting lipid panel was expected, I hadn't had 1 in a while.  But the test for hepatitis, syphilis & TB were just sort of odd.  I'd had these in the past.   I am not sexually active & I haven't been exposed to TB.  We're these tests just standard now?  Or were they aimed at me because of my HIV?

After I left, we went to get something to eat.  I'll add, the the highway downtown & Riverside Drive were in horrible condition.  I've seen dirt roads with less holes. After we ate, we got gas & headed out.  It was nearly 5:30 when we got home.

I left with $100.  After getting gas twice (the van guzzles), eating out, getting something drink, & paying tolls I was left with $20.  This trip cost me $ I really didn't have to spend.  It cost wear & tear on the van & us.  It took time it shouldn't have.  

Both my roomie & I are still tired.  Last night was worse.  I'm trying to let go of this & make a plan.  I'll check in June & see if Telemedicine is completely gone.  If so, its time for a new doctor.

I spent $80, 7+ hours & my energy for a very disappointing, less than 5 minute  appointment with a questionably qualified doctor.  This was a total bust.  I'm still frustrated over this.  Hopefully, there will be other options.

Cya..