Moving to the beautiful state of Florida was a dream for me. Being closer to family , the sunshine, the palm trees, and the promise of a fresh start had me brimming with excitement. However, we hit many bumps in this journey that have us wondering if this was the right thing to do.
just when I thought I had comes to grips with twists and turns and trying to settle into my new life, an unexpected accident sent me on a whirlwind medical adventure.
The other evening, as I was getting ready for dinner, I decided to take a relaxing shower and even planned to shave my legs. Little did I know that this simple act would lead to a rather peculiar mishap. In the midst of it all, I accidentally nicked a varicose vein in my leg. The result? A surprising burst of bleeding, like a pinhole in a water hose.
In that moment, I knew I needed help, and fast. I wrapped my leg in what felt like an entire stack of bath towels, desperately trying to stem the flow. With my husband’s assistance, we made our way to the nearest urgent care and ER hospital in Oviedo, my new hometown.
However, this is where my otherwise promising Florida journey took an unexpected turn. The triage nurse, or so he claimed, was not only indifferent but downright rude. He seemed disinterested in my condition, leaving me to fill out paperwork, sit in the waiting area, and continue to bleed. It felt as though I was an inconvenience to them. This had me frightened as it’s never happened. To make matters worse, they wouldn’t even assist me in getting into a wheelchair or onto a hospital bed. My husband had to step in to provide the help I needed.
I’ve encountered numerous medical professionals in my life, once in Ohio I had a Dr like this triage nurse, I was treated with such disrespect and disregard. The experience left me feeling frustrated and hurt. The staff’s response or lack there of was a stark contrast to the compassion and care that I expected during a medical emergency.
When it was my turn I still didn’t get the triages undivided attention, they made me wait when they spoke to others walking in. Giving them paper work taking the time to tell them he’d be with them soon etc….
As if this weren’t enough, I was told to do a follow up.
So when I inquired about a follow-up appointment with my soon to be new doctor, I was met with dismissiveness. The woman at the doctor’s office also lacked compassion, showing no concern for my newness to the area or the fact that I had a blood clot disorder and needed immediate follow-up care. She appeared more focused on the limitations of my Ohio HMO plan in Florida than my medical needs.
I even offered to pay cash for the visit out of pocket, but my request was declined. The office insisted that I could only be seen after my Florida HMO plan took effect, starting November 1. It was disheartening to realize that, even if I were willing to pay in cash, the rules in Florida prevented me from seeking medical attention.
One aspect that deeply troubled me was the difference in treatment based on insurance types. I observed that people on Medicaid and those with ACA (Obamacare) insurance were handled with more consideration, while my Medicare status seemed to garner less respect. It’s important to note that Medicare isn’t free; I pay for this plan, and yet I felt unheard and disregarded.
To add to the frustration, when I tried to explain the specifics of my Medicare plan to the doctor’s office, I was met with skepticism. It seemed as though they believed I was not following the proper procedures for healthcare in Florida. I had to clarify that my plan didn’t take effect immediately, unlike ACA, but rather on November 1.
This experience has left me conflicted. Florida offers a beautiful environment and wonderful weather, but the encounters I’ve had with the healthcare system and some individuals have been far from welcoming. It’s disheartening to feel that in a place I hoped to call home, a significant portion of the population appears rude and uncaring. As someone who has just started life in this area, I’m left wondering if this is the Florida I had dreamed of.
Moving forward, I hope for a more compassionate and understanding healthcare experience and look forward to building more positive connections in this vibrant state.
The doctors office said they have to speak to the doctor and call me back. So we will see if today I will get a follow up.
Dear Heavenly Father,
We come before you today with heavy hearts, asking for your grace and mercy to be poured out upon those who are mean rude and dismissive to others. We understand that hurt people often hurt others, and we ask for your guidance and healing in their lives.
Lord, help them to see the light of your love and find compassion in their hearts. Grant them the strength to overcome their anger, bitterness, and negativity. May they be transformed by your love and become instruments of kindness and understanding.
We also pray for those who have been on the receiving end of unkindness. Comfort them, Lord, and help them find forgiveness in their hearts. May they be empowered to respond with love and grace.
In your infinite wisdom, may you bring harmony and unity to all people, and may your love shine through even in the most challenging situations. We trust in your divine plan and pray for a world filled with compassion and empathy.
Amen.
Joyful-Echoes 