I just looked back at the post about what happened with my meds when I tried to get them on the way home, I realized I left out the conclusion.
Basically after I cried with the pharmacy and hospital, I went home thinking all kinds of awful things, mainly that I was going to be put back into the hospital before we even knew if this would work. I looked up the manufacturer at home and called them. Emsam definitely is still being made. I called Walgreens and explained my extreme unhappiness, and that given I had called ahead, I felt that being greeted with this kind of information upon release from a long psych stay was incredibly unprofessional. As I think about it now I realize it was even worse, because they accepted all my scripts and filled them when they already knew I wasn't going to be getting the big one there. They refused to apologize or accept responsibility, saying that it is their supplier who doesn't carry it (that is not what the said or what I have in writing), that there was no need to call and let me know this, and eventually they gave me the phone number for someone who might have it, but they didn't know why I would want to take a $700 medication anyway. I pointed out that THAT was none of their business. I called the other pharmacy and they did have it, so I'll pick it up tonight before I see Dr. Mind.
So, complaints will be made when I'm feeling ready to do that. But that Walgreens is one I've used a ton over the years and I'm kind of sorry to be moving on. However, I will not accept that kind of treatment......Especially since when they saw me crying and they KNEW that drug was just not carried by their manufacturer they could have explained that they didn't have it but someone else would. They could have called and transferred the script for me. Instead they made a difficult say a billion times worse.
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3 comments:
Great job giving information, dear JustMe. Now I'm better able to picture the hospital setting that's developed in my mind. :) I'm so glad you had a nice private room. The staff seems to make every effort to keep patients safe. I can only imagine what they'd go through if they failed to do so.
You are amazingly capable of negotiating all the details in spite of many frustrations. You found the right contact information and called the manufacturer! That's amazing and I'm not being patronizing. All the challenges make most of us nuts if it's OK to say that! Seriously, it's EXTREMELY taxing on the nerves to wade through appointment setting, driving directions, Rx purchases, frustrating staffers and all that!
Is the Rx problem a "Walgreen's" problem or is it a jerk pharmacist problem? The individual vs. the store? You're so right that it was "incredibly unprofessional," I'd even say "dangerous." You NEEDED your Rx and you NEEDED some peace of mind in making that business transaction.
I hate it when people use "unnecessary roughness" (a hockey penalty term)! When people are rude, I find it makes things worse, don't you? Everyone gets flustered and actually become more "stupid" when that layer of b.s. is added to the initial problem or conflict. How about customer SERVICE??
When you feel up to it, I'm sure you're going to make sure the docs know that your essential meds might not be available!
It's great you were able to express yourself through the art therapy. Fascinating that your group could detect the "control" stuff. I'm sure your desire for "control" is a mixed blessing. You are clearly your own best advocate, and thus you NEED some sense of control. On the other hand, there's so much you can't control. I'm sure that's why I thought of the famous and wise Serenity Prayer when I wrote another time. It describes the fundamental challenges of life on a broken planet, developing courage and serenity through acceptance and wisdom, discernment and faith.
On so many levels, you're teaching very useful information as you tell your story. It WILL help others. The handy hints like the white noise device, comfy slippers, your cuddly sheep and weighted blankets are truly valuable comfort measures. I also find that my OWN PILLOW is essential as well as EAR PLUGS (and a sign for the nurses that my ears are plugged).
My experiences with 3 c-sections helped me learn some helpful tips that have prepared other moms to cope better so I really appreciate the practical aspects of what you're sharing. It makes a big difference in a very stressful time.
I hope you don't mind me sending you an entire letter as a comment! Shoot me an email if you feel up to it and tell me your preferences. (immichal AT yahoo)
Take a few deep breaths? I sure need to remind myself to do that!
I pray that scriptures I look up for you will prove to be "living words" that touch you in a special way and minister deeply to your spirit, body and soul (mind, will, emotions). "The Word of God is ALIVE..." (Heb. 4: 12)
Praying we will "let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts,"
Love, Michal
"Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful."
Colossians 3:13-15 NIV
After I read your post about what they told you I started digging around online trying to find ANYTHING about Amsam being discontinued and I couldn't find squat. I'm glad you did your own digging to get to the bottom of it all.
I'm just disappointed that the pharmacists were so unfeeling. They supposedly do that job to help people, and then they see someone in distress and blow them off. Erg, that's just frustrating. And then to have been told that they would have it and have them turn around on that? Oh, SO not acceptable. I don't know that saying I'm proud of you for how you handled it does much, but, yeah, I am. Good job, my friend.
I am so sorry that you had that kind of experience at the pharmacy! And I'm glad that you will follow up with a complaint. The management needs to know about that treatment - as a repeat customer you absolutely deserved better treatment. I'm sorry you have to change - I have used Target for some time now with regular monthly prescriptions and the people there have been terrific. Hope you are able to find another pharmacy that treats you better!
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