So I go for my stress test for my heart issues today, and man, did I regret doing it. Not because of the test, but for the incredibly uncomfortable situation I was put in while undergoing the test. Many of you know I have so many scars, from SO many surgeries over the years, I make frankenbride look like Heidi Klum! I always try to warn people who need to see me in a state of undress what they are about to see, because it IS quite shocking to someone unfamiliar with my situation. And most folks handle it accordingly.

Today was just unbelievable. I put on the ever-cute hospital gown, and as the gal who took the readings removed the part to expose my torso for the pads they must place for the test, her face told it all. Not sadness or pity like a lot show, but repulsiveness. She would slap that gown over me again every time she had open it like it was on fire. Huff and puff with disgust, like it was all she could do to be there and do her job.

It was bad enough I had been without food for almost 5 hours (you can't eat for 4 hours prior to the test), and I normally eat every 3 hours. So I was feeling pretty faint, and tried to explain to her I needed to speed this whole thing up. I told her about having the sleeve surgery, and she told me how she knew about that surgery and "all the repercussions" that followed it. IF I had been in my right mind at the time, I would have laid it on the line for her, and called her out on it. But I wasn't up to par with my queasiness. She acted so disgusted, and repulsed, and all I wanted to do was.....cry.

I didn't, but it's like, hey - I have been through HELL over the years, more times than anyone should ever have to go through. When I look at someone who has the physical evidence of horrific things that has happened to them, I feel compassion. Empathy. Sympathy. Love. This gal was young, probably 30 or so. I am not. But considering what I have been through, I look pretty good, if I do say so myself!

As I am lying on this table, with my torso exposed for all to see, I have 2 women and one man hovering over me like I am something from a freak museum. WHEN will hospital staff act like they are mature, adult, compassionate HUMAN BEINGS instead of moronic morons (like that term???!!!) who feel they are superior to us lowly patients who shouldn't even soil their floors with our footsteps??????

Yes, I am venting, and I apologize. I cannot tell what occurred to my husband, who would go in there like the thundering cop he can be, and DEAL with them. So I thank you for listening (or reading!!!), and letting me vent. Tonight I am greatly saddened. I do not even know what the results of my test are, but I'm not sure I care at this point. I know one thing. I WILL NOT be using this hospital again for ANYTHING. I am at this point, after so many surgeries, where I think I have just had too much, and cannot do anymore. I just can't right now. I can't see those people standing over me, looking at me like that. No more. I am sooo tired. No more.

Thanks for letting me vent.

Yippee!

Happy dance over here! I really know the feeling.

oh sweet darling... i just want to scratch the eyes out of that bitch. I dont care WHAT emotional scars she might be burdened with... damn her black heart for making you feel this way. I would hold you in my arms if i could. I'm so so sorry

I'm glad the cyst was benign. Although this is a very trying time, you have good reason to anticipate a positive outcome.

I'll be thinking of you and your husband on Friday, @Canyonbaby. Good luck.

I worked in a cardiology office for a bit. We would have never treated a client that way. It is unacceptable. Surgical scars, in fact any scars, are proof that you are a survivor. They are like a badge of honor that you have been through the battle and come out alive. I would suggest that since this was in a hospital you report it to patient relations. Every hospital has a department that is specifically for situations like this. They educate the staff and when needed disciplinary action may be taken. No patient should be made to feel that they are a freak. I think the staff involved need to be educated on patient respect and proper treatment. Remember you are not a freak. You are a survivor and should be treated with respect. I doubt these medical "professionals" would handle half of what some patients go through with such bravery. Hugs to you, and a virtual smack to the back of the head for the hospital staff.

I'm very sorry that you feel you were treated disrespectfully. Remember that hospital reimbursement from Medicare is tied directly to things like patient satisfaction scores. If you feel that the care you received was lacking, you DO have the power to help them see the error of their ways by reporting it. In addition to writing a letter, contact the hospital and see if they'll get their third party vendor to send you a patient satisfaction survey (they typically send them automatically to patients who had major procedures, but I'm not sure about things like tests). Then, share your experience. Many of these surveys supply space for the patient to give specific feedback on each question, and the questions always include one about the performance/bedside manner of a specific subset of staff (such as nurses, etc.).

@@CanyonBaby I'm so glad to hear this bit of good news on Dave. You've been on my mind and you both are in my thoughts and prayers.

Wait...