umsami Posted August 18, 2014 Share Posted August 18, 2014 So, my OB's office called on Saturday and left a message about an abnormal mammogram. Please call us back. Unfortunately, the office was closed all day Saturday, so I couldn't call back…it went straight to the answering service. I called this morning at 9 a.m. and was given to my OB's nurse's voicemail. She's the one who called on Saturday, and her message says that she usually can return calls within 24-48 hours. I know how busy nurses and other medical staff are. I get that. I'm married to one. Still, DH would never call a patient with potentially bad test results and have them wait three days before talking to somebody about it. Ugh. Frustrated. Next time, I don't care about HIPPA, just send me an email…tell me what you want me to do…etc….or don't call on Saturday morning when the office will be closed the next few days….and then be impossible to reach. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zoobie Posted August 18, 2014 Share Posted August 18, 2014 That's crappy. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommymonster Posted August 18, 2014 Share Posted August 18, 2014 Amen. That is just irresponsible and unduly cruel. Why leave a message like that at all? I'd let them know whenever you get ahold of them... :grouphug: Try to not expect the worst. My mammogram tech always says that a callback is not usually bad news. It's usually bad picture-taking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happi duck Posted August 18, 2014 Share Posted August 18, 2014 (Hugs) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
umsami Posted August 18, 2014 Author Share Posted August 18, 2014 I'll add that I know she's probably so busy that calling people on Saturday is the only time she can. I also know that she'll probably just tell me to get a diagnostic mammogram or an ultrasound or whatever. I'm OK with that…but I just want to get the ball rolling. I was talking to my best friend…and her Mom ended up getting basically a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery the same day. They used the skin/fat from her abdomen, so she ended up with a tummy tuck. She said… Mom couldn't be happier. The girls are nice and perky and her stomach is flat. So..I tell myself…if it's nothing, it's a reminder to be nicer to myself…to get that facial…buy a nice bra from time to time. If not, maybe I too can have perky girls and a flat tummy. After breastfeeding four kids for two years each, that would be nice. LOL :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ali in OR Posted August 18, 2014 Share Posted August 18, 2014 I'm sorry you're going through this. I don't handle such situations well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
creekland Posted August 18, 2014 Share Posted August 18, 2014 I'd share your frustration! :grouphug: I hope your news ends up being that all is fine (perhaps after another look or whatever). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SadieMarie Posted August 18, 2014 Share Posted August 18, 2014 Let us know how it turns out. I had a bad pap and it sucked but it was good I had it done and got treatment and I haven't had another one. Odds are you will be just fine so don't get too excited about the tummy tuck and perky boo bs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vonfirmath Posted August 19, 2014 Share Posted August 19, 2014 I once had news of an abnormal result all through Thanksgiving before I could get back to the doctor. It turned out to be nothing but really messed up the Holidays. Since then I've discovered I'm prone to abnormal results so I try not to stress instead :( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twigs Posted August 19, 2014 Share Posted August 19, 2014 :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kiwik Posted August 19, 2014 Share Posted August 19, 2014 Not really OK no matter how busy you are. Good news is OK on the answerphone, bad news is not. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melissa in Australia Posted August 19, 2014 Share Posted August 19, 2014 :grouphug: :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alice Posted August 19, 2014 Share Posted August 19, 2014 That's terrible. I'd call back this morning and demand to talk to someone. If you get the voicemail again, call back and say you need to talk to a real live nurse or doctor. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Another Lynn Posted August 19, 2014 Share Posted August 19, 2014 Yeah, that's ridiculous. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stripe Posted August 19, 2014 Share Posted August 19, 2014 This happened to a family member and was totally stressful. I hear you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Garga Posted August 19, 2014 Share Posted August 19, 2014 That's terrible. I'd call back this morning and demand to talk to someone. If you get the voicemail again, call back and say you need to talk to a real live nurse or doctor. I would do this. I'd tell them I didn't care which nurse/doctor called back. I'd tell them about the message on the machine and how cruel that was to leave you dangling and you're not waiting another moment to find out what's going on. Or go there in person. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wintermom Posted August 19, 2014 Share Posted August 19, 2014 That is stressful and frustrating. Hopefully you'll get some news really soon. From my own experience, I've found that those weekend messages are not the ones with the bad news - the ones from your doctor or the nurse on a weekday are the ones. If it's really important and timely, they want a better chance of reaching you quickly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soror Posted August 19, 2014 Share Posted August 19, 2014 That's horrible. :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trulycrabby Posted August 19, 2014 Share Posted August 19, 2014 I have found from personal experience that bad news travels fast; good news travels more slowly when waiting on test results. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
In The Great White North Posted August 19, 2014 Share Posted August 19, 2014 I fail to see how leaving the actual results is more of a HIPPA violation than this message. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carol in Cal. Posted August 19, 2014 Share Posted August 19, 2014 I had this happen when I was in my 20's, only it was a tumor. Benign, but that wasn't in the message. :( I got so upset as Friday wore on and on that I finally just got in my car and drove over to the medical center and sat there until the doctor would talk to me personally. Otherwise I would have gone crazy over the weekend. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DawnM Posted August 19, 2014 Share Posted August 19, 2014 Inevitably I get calls on Friday afternoons when I am out and by the time I get the message, I can't call back until Monday. I too had a tumor in my 20s, well, an adenoma. It turned out to be harmless, but the message I got from the doctor on the phone (not a message) was, "You have a tumor in your brain." Um, no, I had an adenoma in my pituitary gland......very different. Sometimes medical personnel have poor timing and wording. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
umsami Posted August 19, 2014 Author Share Posted August 19, 2014 It is now 1:07 p.m. on Tuesday. I called again this morning. I spoke to a real person who said, "I'm sorry I can't tell you anything, you must talk with Nurse XXXX." Big giant scream. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommymilkies Posted August 19, 2014 Share Posted August 19, 2014 :grouphug: That's really ridiculous!! Can you go into the office and request a copy of the results? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mandylubug Posted August 19, 2014 Share Posted August 19, 2014 I'd stop by if fairly near by. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TeacherZee Posted August 19, 2014 Share Posted August 19, 2014 That is absolutely ridiculous!!! I'd call back and demand to speak to nurse soanso Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
umsami Posted August 19, 2014 Author Share Posted August 19, 2014 :grouphug: That's really ridiculous!! Can you go into the office and request a copy of the results? I think that's what I'll do tomorrow if I don't hear anything. I may time it to be at the office when they open. The main office is about a 40 minute drive from me. I went to one of their satellite locations, but they're only at that office a few days per month. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kathryn Posted August 19, 2014 Share Posted August 19, 2014 Ugh! That's awful! I hope they get back to you very soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
umsami Posted August 19, 2014 Author Share Posted August 19, 2014 OK, finally got through. What appears to be a small mass in left breast. Want to do more images. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prairiewindmomma Posted August 19, 2014 Share Posted August 19, 2014 I am sorry; hope you get in with imaging soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
creekland Posted August 19, 2014 Share Posted August 19, 2014 :grouphug: I hope more images show nothing to worry about, but no matter what, :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted August 19, 2014 Share Posted August 19, 2014 I hope it turns out to be nothing to worry about. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted August 19, 2014 Share Posted August 19, 2014 At least you got a call....my grandma has heart trouble and had some tests done a couple weeks ago. They texted my mom (she's the one listed for them to call) to tell her grandma had a worse issue and needed more testing. Mom was a bit baffled at the fact that they texted. Hope that it turns out to be nothing for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Annie G Posted August 19, 2014 Share Posted August 19, 2014 I hope it turns out to be nothing. But I would still be ticked that they handled it this way. Sure, to them this is no big deal. They see test results that indicate 'further testing needed' all the time. But you don't. I know nurses and doctors are busy. But still... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
speedmom4 Posted August 19, 2014 Share Posted August 19, 2014 I cannot stand when medical office's do this! I usually see the NP at my OB's office. If she has concerning news she has given me her home phone number to call her on the weekend. She's awesome. I hope you find out the information soon and that it's not serious! Elise in NC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trulycrabby Posted August 19, 2014 Share Posted August 19, 2014 I am sorry you have to have more images done. It's really nerve wracking the first time around. Please, please consider getting an appointmennt with a breast specialist and a dedicated breast radiologist for the additional screening. I think you will find they are much more prompt in getting your results, and you will be dealing with experts in their field. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
umsami Posted August 19, 2014 Author Share Posted August 19, 2014 I am sorry you have to have more images done. It's really nerve wracking the first time around. Please, please consider getting an appointmennt with a breast specialist and a dedicated breast radiologist for the additional screening. I think you will find they are much more prompt in getting your results, and you will be dealing with experts in their field. That's who i'll be seeing hopefully in about a week. They just focus on breast imaging, supposedly. You also speak with the radiologist before you leave regarding the results…so there's no waiting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FaithManor Posted August 19, 2014 Share Posted August 19, 2014 :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommymilkies Posted August 19, 2014 Share Posted August 19, 2014 :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zoobie Posted August 19, 2014 Share Posted August 19, 2014 Thinking of you! :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlessedMom Posted August 19, 2014 Share Posted August 19, 2014 ((((((((Hugs)))))))) Praying for you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kim in Appalachia Posted August 19, 2014 Share Posted August 19, 2014 :grouphug: :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trulycrabby Posted August 19, 2014 Share Posted August 19, 2014 That's who i'll be seeing hopefully in about a week. They just focus on breast imaging, supposedly. You also speak with the radiologist before you leave regarding the results…so there's no waiting.[/quote Great! Just try to hang in there until the appointment. I just went through this process with my ovaries, so I understand how frightening it can be. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kwg Posted August 19, 2014 Share Posted August 19, 2014 :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheBugs Posted August 19, 2014 Share Posted August 19, 2014 :grouphug: Keeping you in my thoughts and duas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bzymom Posted August 20, 2014 Share Posted August 20, 2014 Lots of prayers and hugs for you. :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spryte Posted August 20, 2014 Share Posted August 20, 2014 So happy that at least you finally got through and spoke to a real person. I hope you'll get into imaging soon, and have all the answers you need - and that they will be the best possible answers. Thinking of you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
umsami Posted August 20, 2014 Author Share Posted August 20, 2014 Thanks everybody. It actually makes me appreciate how my OB in Jacksonville handled things when my pap came back abnormal. She called me herself. No message…not sure how many times she tried until she got me, but there was no "call the office" type messages. She spoke with me for a good 10 minutes on what our next steps were (colposcopy…and then LEEP), etc. People said she is not a touchy-feely type of doctor, but IMHO, she handled it really well. I think that if my CNM hadn't left this practice, she probably would have called me herself and handled things better. Just a guess, though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farrar Posted August 20, 2014 Share Posted August 20, 2014 Hugs. I hope it's all turns out okay. I keep wishing to find a doctor's office that isn't complete jerks, but they all seem to engage in this sort of behavior. A couple of years ago, after a physical, ours robocalled dh to come in to discuss "abnormal results." They wouldn't tell him more. He had to wait more than two weeks. Turned out his vit. D levels were slightly low. That was it. I'm still angry about that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melissa in Australia Posted August 20, 2014 Share Posted August 20, 2014 :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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