Alone ... finding a surgeon
On the day I was given my biopsy results I was on my own. Apparently, it was the first day in 2022 that patients were allowed a support person when receiving pathology results ....but noone told me. All the signs at Breast Screen Vic stated that support people were asked to wait outside due to Covid. With it being really hot weather we had decided that my husband would drop me off and head back home to wait for me to call. Prior to my visit I had a phone call checking on Covid symptoms, but no mention of bringing a support person. Once in the clinic I discovered most of the other women waiting to get results had a support person with them.
Thanks to those on this site who had suggested recording interviews, this was invaluable advice.
I got a very brief explanation of my pathology results from the consultant, and didn't have a chance to ask questions. Being a private patient I was handed a folder by the nurse with a cd of my results. On asking for clarification I was reassured that it wasn't necessary to select a surgeon on the day. When I asked how does one go about finding a surgeon and I was offered a range of business cards of those who worked at the clinic and saw patients privately. It felt bizarre, but understood it was starting point. But I didn't feel like selecting my surgeon based on the colour and size of the type font on their business card. : ) Fortunately, I contacted my GP and she arranged a telehealth call with me straight away. On my GP's suggestion I spoke to the person at the surgeon's room. Getting a better idea of what it meant to be a private patient I found very reassuring and helpful. But the week waiting to hear back once the GP forwarded the referral has felt more like a month.
Happily, I heard yesterday that I have an appointment to see Dr Anita Skandarajah at the end of next week. I definitely slept better last night having this date in my diary.
Thanks to those on this site who had suggested recording interviews, this was invaluable advice.
I got a very brief explanation of my pathology results from the consultant, and didn't have a chance to ask questions. Being a private patient I was handed a folder by the nurse with a cd of my results. On asking for clarification I was reassured that it wasn't necessary to select a surgeon on the day. When I asked how does one go about finding a surgeon and I was offered a range of business cards of those who worked at the clinic and saw patients privately. It felt bizarre, but understood it was starting point. But I didn't feel like selecting my surgeon based on the colour and size of the type font on their business card. : ) Fortunately, I contacted my GP and she arranged a telehealth call with me straight away. On my GP's suggestion I spoke to the person at the surgeon's room. Getting a better idea of what it meant to be a private patient I found very reassuring and helpful. But the week waiting to hear back once the GP forwarded the referral has felt more like a month.
Happily, I heard yesterday that I have an appointment to see Dr Anita Skandarajah at the end of next week. I definitely slept better last night having this date in my diary.
