At my recent annual physical with my primary care physician, I had a few agenda items to bring up. One of these items was my painful bunions. They have annoyed me for years, but I kept quiet. Okay, I’ll admit it . . . I feared the possible surgery. But suffering overcame trepidation and I talked frankly about it with my doctor.
He said his office would refer me to a podiatrist. Sure enough, just a couple of hours later the phone rang. It was the podiatrist’s office assistant. We set up a time for the next week, which was last week. I wrote the time on the calendar and thanked her.
Appointment day came and Sylvia went with me. I walked in and at the desk was greeted with, “I expected you an hour and a half ago.” “Why did you tell me this time then” was my response. She made a call and assured me that everything would work out. I thanked her and handed her the forms I had finished at home. I had another to do there, which was quickly done.
Another assistant took me to a room and did an interview with me while typing answers into her computer. Then we went to another room, where she took X-rays of my feet. Then she left me in the first room to wait with Sylvia for the podiatrist.
Not my foot. Mine are worse–much worse.
A short while later, an energetic man with slightly less hair than me (though it was considerably darker than mine) walked briskly into the examining room. He flashed a big grin, stuck out his hand and said, “Hi, I’m Dave.”
“Ahh, I’m Chuck.” What else could I say?
The informality was a first. I might have been tempted to take him less seriously if I hadn’t checked out his credentials online before the visit. He is for real. I’ve got to love that. Right?
More talk and careful examination of the feet and a review of the X-rays. He answered all of my questions. Before I left, he gave me an steroid injection in each bunion. For hours they seemed not to help, but the next few days were marked by blessed relief from the chronic pain.
No decisions last week, we’ll talk about what’s next when I see him Wednesday morning. I’m looking forward to that visit.
But I do have a problem. 🙁 When Sylvia and I returned home, I checked the calendar. The office assist was right. I was an hour and a half late. What should I do? Should I tell the assistant that she was right and I was wrong? Or do I pretend that something else happened? What would you do?
I would suggest you be on time for the next appointment and say a prayer of thanksgiving that you were able to see the doctor after being that late. As far as saying anything to the receptionist, perhaps it would be best to let sleeping dogs lie. (or is it lay?)
God bless and good luck with the feet. Will say a prayer or two for you.
Ida
Thanks Ida. I’d appreciate that prayer. :angelic:
When the assistant called to reschedule today’s appointment, I apologized and told her that she was right about the time. Of course, she already knew that. 😉
Get your feet done. I’ve got bunions too and the pain was incredible as they pushed on a nerve on one foot. I had both of mine “shaved” about 15 years ago, but that is a short-term fix and I will probably have to have surgery again down the road. I would do it again in an instant….and I did both of my feet at once.
Are your toes turning towards your toes? If so, you will probably need the surgery with a pin…and no it doesn’t take that long to heal. You’ll be up and about in no time–but do it now in the winter so you can rest it. It will be worth it–you will never regret having your feet NOT hurt. Seriously.
Thanks Lin!
I’ve heard of only one case where someone had one bunion fixed and the pain was so bad that she never had the other one done. 🙁
Tomorrow (Wednesday) I’ll see the podiatrist again and perhaps I’ll find out what my options are. Report to follow.
Give Hobbes a couple of skritches behind the ears for Sylvia and me if you would, please.
I am glad to hear it all worked out for the good. I knew it would. I just read your comment over at Vanilla’s and you crack me up! Everyone was so serious and there was your reply…..A Sticky situation…love it! :yea: :ha: :rofl:
I hope ya’ll are having a good day! 🙂
I’m glad you liked my comment on Vanilla’s blog. 😀 Sometimes that jokester sense of humor get me in trouble. :dunce:
That day of discovering one is not perfect is a stressful day. Glad the assistant was understanding!
I have another appointment in Feb, and I was thinking of that time. :dunce: She’s as real trooper! :angelic: I’m glad that people like that exist! Sure makes the world a much better place! :up:
I am sorry your feet are bothering you. I do not like it when the publicist is late with my pedicure.
I would just tell the lady that I was sorry I missed the time. She will appreciate the apology ’cause she knows she was right any way.
I hope they can find an easy, permanent solution for you that does not involve surgery.
Thanks friend. The lady called today. I apologized. Graciously accepted. Wednesday is going to be a good day.
I’m eagerly waiting to learn about possible alternatives. I’ve tried to avoid surgery for years. The recovery takes a long time. 🙁 Those who’ve had the surgery say “No regrets.”
Oh my that doesn’t look very comfortable at all Chuck. I hoep there is an alternative other than surgery.
As for your dilemma I am one of those that always tells the truth even when my husband says I only need be quiet. Rosie makes a point too. I would most likely talk about it and agree that I would not be charged for missing this visit after their mistake last time.
This is how we always wind up paying the bill though. So Walter would tell you not to listen to me!
Perhaps I’ll find out more about alternatives come Wednesday. And earlier than I thought. The assistant called to reschedule to an earlier time today. (Emergency surgery must be done for another person.)
I solved the problem my apologizing to her on the phone. She was most gracious in return. Now, I’m looking forward to Wednesday. 8)
That could be a moral dilemma, were it not for Rosey’s counsel. Hope solutions for problem are soon applied.
She called today to reschedule Wednesday’s time for earlier that day. I apologized. She gracefully accepted and put me at my ease. 😀
I’d just make light of it at the next visit, “You know you were right about the time last week!” Then you can both move on and be happy. 😀
Good luck w/the next appt. Glad you’ve found some relief.
Good advice Rosey . . . This just in!
The assistant just called. Could I move my time up earlier on Wednesday? They’ve had to schedule an emergency foot surgery that day. 😯
I confessed what she already knew. :surrender: She was right. She was very gracious and accepted my apology. 😀