Thursday, February 23, 2006

A day of incedible frustration

I need to vent!

When Ron was first diagnosed one of the services that was offered was counseling, both emotional and financial. He wasn't and still isn't interested in the emotional, but the time has come for us to make use of the financial services. He stopped working near the end of November. First off he had four weeks vacation that he used and then he went on short-term disability. He is coming near the end of that now. He goes on Employment insurance for a while and then, if needed, long term disability.
At the begining, I spoke to someone in the Social Services department and they said they will help with the transitioning, sending in the forms so we don't have to go to the Employment office, that kind of thing. I started trying to get hold of them 3 weeks ago for help. We go to the clinic every Friday and I stopped in the office. The first time, there was no secretary - just a sign on the desk saying to wait in the atrium and someone would come out and when they were available. Well - that didn't work. I had to get back to Ron and then I had to get to work. The next Friday, there was no sign and no person. I said "hello?" and someone came out. She said she couldn't help me but told me to wait. When I explained that I couldn't - that I had to get to work as soon as Ron was done, she took my name and number and said someone would call. That was last Friday. No one had by mid-afternoon on Monday so I called them. Voice mail. I left my name, number and what I needed. Tuesday afternoon. No one had called. I called again. Voice mail. I left another message adding that my husband was starting to get very concerned and anxious and to please call me back. Wednesday. Still no one had called me back. By now Ron is really starting to get worked up and almost panicked. I called again. Today by mid-morning, after my regular morning call to Ron, he was very very upset that we hadn't heard anything.
F%#k this I thought and called the office rather than the social worker. I spoke to someone and explained the situation. I then said that he would be in for most of the day tomorrow and could I please get a time when I could come in and see the social worker. The woman on the phone then told me that she couldn't make appointments, that she would take my name, number and have the social worker call me. I could not believe it. I had TOLD her that the social worker hadn't been returning my calls. At this point I should have gotten very firm - but I'm saving it for tomorrow.
This is social services I'm dealing with! They are supposed to make things easier. I can not imagine in my job, not returning one call for four days. I left four f*****g messages! - Four!Instead I am more frustrated, angry and disgusted at them then even with Dr. Noshow - who still hasn't shown by the way.
I'm sure they are very busy. I understand this. But I do not understand not returning 4 calls and a hand delivered message in a weeks time. I started calling Monday and wasn't looking to talk - only to set up an appointment for Friday.
Meanwhile Ron is beside himself, starting to complain constantly because he feels so sick all the time, can't eat without it causing a great deal of pain and I don't know what to do.

9 comments:

lost said...

That's terrible. I don't know what to say, except I wish I was there to help you out. ((Kristie)) and ((Ron)) I'm feeling frustrated on your behalf now. :( Hope it'll be sorted out very soon. xx

Anonymous said...

I left four fucking messages!

And HELLO Krisite! lol

Seriously though, I'm sorry to hear that your're having such trouble tracking someone down just to get the things straightened out that they promised to help you with. I say let Krisite loose on those fuckers tomorrow.

Kristie (J) said...

Well, I did smack Miss Sweary's (Ron's name for Krisite - makes me laugh 'cause he's serious) hand and just made her go in and blank out the guts of fuckin'. But I shan't reign her in tomorrow. I will yell down the hospital if I have to (yea right).

CindyS said...

Kristie - gah. I have only ugly words and anger towards the people who are constantly causing you stress and I know spewing all that won't help. I feel helpless here and I'm only an hour away and don't have a clue how I could help so I can't even begin to imagine your frustration.

I'm with Jay. They deserve to have a visit from Krisite!

CindyS

Tara Marie said...

What a difficult situation. I can't even begin to imagine both your stress levels. ((Hugs)) to you both. Kick some butt tomorrow.

Alyssa said...

I'm so sorry this has been such a mess. Good grief, surely SOMEONE can return a phone call when you've left four messages?! You are entirely justified in your anger.

I hope these people get their acts together soon.

sybil said...

Sorry hon and I so understand the want to make excuses for them. They are overworked. And I am sure there more people than they can handle but still you need help.

And they need to provide it. I hope tomorrow goes better for you. If it makes you feel any better I have spent three days, calling, hanging up and recalling the legal aid place and STILL haven't gotten a person.

The chick I spoke to in the office in SA told me I need to really try and get through the 800 first. Reminds me that I need to sign up and volunteer some time somewhere.

Of course since you don't live in the US you have paid with your taxes for the crappy treatment you are getting. Hmmm don't focus on that until tomorrow ;)

ReneeW said...

Oh, Kristie, crap, that sucks. I wish I could come up there and kick some ass. I don't mind swearing (although it makes Bob cringe). One technique I use when I'm getting nowhere is to ask to talk to that person's supervisor. She must have someone she reports to. Of course, I don't know how things work there in your health care system, but I would assume everyone has a boss they have to answer to. Find out who she reports to and start climbing the ladder till you get the head honcho if necessary. It's funny how people will fall all over themselves so you don't talk to their boss. Even Dr. Noshow has to answer to someone (but he may think it's God). A medical review board if nothing else. He's acting unethically so maybe you can file a complaint.

You go, girl! Bring out Kick-ass Kristie.

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