So I mentioned that I had to make a follow up appointment. Most painful experience ever, more so than actually breaking my damn ankle. Apparently here in America there is just no care or concern for you whatsoever.
The girl I initially spoke to about my appointment did actually call me back on Thursday to say they were full up but she was doing what she could and would get back to me, which I appreciated. I hadn't heard back by the Friday afternoon so I called. She had left so I spoke to someone else, who said there was no appointments until the 9th January (1 week after I am due to have an appointment) but they were waiting to hear from another clinic. So basically I had to wait until today (Tuesday) after Christmas and the Monday holiday.
So today I hadn't heard anything, so I called. I was told that they had to wait for an email back and they couldn't do anything. Um, they don't have phones in America? After demanding, I finally got a call back and was informed there was no way I could be seen until the 9th. I explained, very calmly, that the surgeon instructed I have an appointment within 2 weeks, and that more importantly I had stitches that needed to be removed. The response was that if I was really that concerned I could go to an emergency department... WTF!!!??? About here I got a little less calm. Finally I got given the direct number to the clinic, and after firmly explaining my situation, I now have an appointment for Friday 6th January to have my cast and stitches removed at my follow up appointment.
I have heard terrible things about the American health system and would never willingly bag it, but my gosh I just feel so insignificant after this experience. My travel insurance was considering flying me back to Aus for surgery and I asked to be able to have it here as I wanted to stay, I now wonder what would've been a better option.
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