Today was my first visit with the Pulmonary Association of Virginia. I had an appointment at 11 am with Doctor Alice Herlihy. I got there around 20 minutes early and I was the only one on line to check in. There were six check in stations with someone at every station and no patients. There was a friendly conversation going on between them. I waited for someone to check me in and finally someone did. I was given paperwork to fill out, which I did. (Whenever they ask for my SS# I never give it). After I turned that in I was given an iPad to fill out answering the same questions and the reason your there, symptoms, history, etc. It was never ending. At that point the line went all the way back to the elevator and the waiting area was full. I turned that in and waited to be called. Well that whole room was called, even the people who came after me, and I was still sitting there. I asked if there was a problem, my appointment was at 11 and it was now 11:30. She checked and still I was not called. I got in the exam room at 12 noon. I proceeded to wait another half hour for the doctor. I checked all of my emails, emptied spam and trash and read a magazine. I was pissed. I recognize that I have no patience but doctors really piss me off. They think their time is more important than yours. If you were even 20 minutes late they would make you get another appointment.

Last week I received several emails and texts about my upcoming appointment, on Sunday I received two emails and three texts. This morning while I’m trying to get ready I’m getting texts asking me to check in and telling me to come early. This drives me crazy.

My primary physician wanted me to go and have some breathing tests done and that’s why I thought I was there. The doctor asked me questions and pulled up the scan of my lungs that they took in the hospital. She showed me the abnormal growth. I told her I was having a chest scan in June and the Thoracic surgeon was going to see me after that. She didn’t want me to wait until June and is arranging a PET Scan as soon as they can. She wanted me to come back for the breathing test.