Wednesday, December 12, 2007

I hate the cold and I'm moving to Florida.

Current Update: So. I am off work sick. The cold makes me unable to get out of bed, which is not all that good for one's teaching career. This is only actually the second day I've missed this week - the joy of being on an 18-hour alternate days contract. I'm hoping to be back by Friday. The doctor, having made me sit in the waiting room for fifty minutes, gave me two minutes of her time (because obviously it was my fault she was running behind). The first thing she asked was why I was using crutches. Then she reluctantly agreed to sign me off for 'two to three days' (so precise, so helpful, so utterly stupid for having no frigging idea what happens to the body of a person with several conditions when they all start interacting because of the cold, and if I want a whole week I'm bloody well taking it. Mainly because I can't get out of bed). Then she said she'd look into the pain clinic for me. Just like the other GP was supposed to a month ago. I love the NHS to death. (My own, probably.) Then she told me to get a flu jab (but I'd have to come back later that day, which of course is so easy when it takes me all day to recover from having to make my way up there and back). Then it was clear she wanted me out of there. I'm going to book all my appointments in advance, with the decent doctor, from now on. It will mean waiting twenty years, of course. By which time I'll be feeling better.

But in more interesting news, yesterday I met a very accommodating person from the local Physical Disabilities Team (oh how wonderfully medical model). All she really did was ask us what we wanted. This was good, as The Girl - who represents her country in Talking at the Olympics - did a lot of saying how I *like* my wheelchair and crutches. Sometimes I talked, too. In between panic attacks. Anyway, she was very supportive, and is going to send a copy of her report to Evil EDS Physio. This may or may not help matters. The waiting list for physio with these people is months just for six sessions, so who knows whether it'll happen. But at least I stood up for myself. Briefly.

Leeds Update: I forgot to say how much I enjoyed visiting Leeds, didn't I? 'Twas fab. I need to write letters of complaint to GNER (for the amazing disappearing ramp that was nowhere to be seen at the station at Leeds), to Travelodge (for the amazing wheelchair-accessible room that becomes non-accessible between booking and arriving), and to God (for all the amazing sodding hills). The representatives of the Equality Service, the Accommodations office and the department were all marvellous. The dept people were so laid back that I got quite confused. They said "See you next year" so they must have liked me. I still need to write the actual application form. I'm getting there with it, although it rather sounds like I'm disappearing up my own backside a lot. Striking a balance between "I am but an ignorant fool who wants to sit at your feet and learn everything that there is to know, O great academic heroes" and "I'm too awesome for this course" is hard. Especially when you're bipolar.

And now I crawl back to the kitchen for another cuppa, changing the DVD on my way, as it could be a while until I can get up again. Anyone for Buffy?

9 comments:

grace said...

'This was good, as The Girl - who represents her country in Talking at the Olympics - did a lot of saying how I...'

Sometimes I think we have the same partner..!

BenefitScroungingScum said...

Less said about the cold the better methinks! Leeds would be amazing (it being the base of t'other international expert an all that) inpatient facilities, albeit limited etc. Sounds like you impressed them though, congrats! BG

Spitting said...

I love the NHS to death. (My own, probably.)

Dear me, that made me snort coffee up my nose.

Our GP uses the 'You need a flu jab' as a sort of 'Look Goose!' get out (of here) clause.

Reminds me of the doctor in the League of Gentlemen.

Lisa said...

GNER are awful access wise. I don't think I've made one journey on their service that hasn't resulted in a complaint.

You're so organised. I hadn't even thought of doing an MA this time last year. I only applied in Aug (with the course starting 6 weeks later).

Naomi J. said...

Grace: I would tend to concur, given what you've said about Fiance. It does appear that they only have one minor difference.

BG: Heh. I'm not going to Leeds for treatment. I'm not big on any treatment at all, at the moment, as my other recent post expands upon. But I certainly don't think I'd get along too well with a whole clinic of people who want to get me to walk without a stick... Not sure I'd get along with that particular Prof, either. Plus, these places have eighteen-month waiting lists and I'd only be there for a year. But, I may change my mind. We shall see! The course is the key thing, and that's looking like it could be rather marvellous.

spitting: Haha. The 'I can't cure you! So I must suggest something that I can do! Go to my nurse and she'll poke you and you'll feel like I helped!' syndrome. I encounter variations on this a lot. 'Take this pill! Even if you very clearly reacted badly to it before! Because at least then I can give you a prescription and you'll feel like I helped!' Ahem.

Lisy: My life is really very boring. I fill it with things like application forms to cheer me up. I've been especially grateful to have something to do this week. Otherwise I'd have had to watch the entire ten seasons of Friends again, and there would have been carnage and many broken plates. Do GNER ever give you free journeys or anything when you complain?

Marla said...

Very interesting blog here. My first visit, linking from Screw Bronze. My daughter has a chromosome disorder and is autistic. I hope you get feeling well soon!

Elizabeth McClung said...

I agree with the partner bit except I won national talking championships - partner went today to talk to the doc, but ended up saying to me, "let him talk" - I am glad you are getting a letter and things are positive at Leeds.

Which Buffy are you on - I like 4 and 5 for seasons simply because they have the best Willow romances. I like Dark Angel by James Cameron - seen that one?

Sweet Cocoa said...

I really thought you and THE GIRL were headed to see me in Florida! lol I am fighting the Dr about a *sometimes* stick/ crutches. lol- I wonder what they would say if I showed up in a flair with one..lol I would still get the same response you did. Hope you feel better soon.-- still mad your not really moving!

Anonymous said...

yeah i agree with what u said