Dizzy Doctors

I had to go to the ER yesterday for myself. No worries, it was more a matter of my efficiency madness than any real medical condition. I have had vertigo for a few days. I’ve been to doctors and ENTs before and come up with nothing. This time,  I wanted tests to rule out stuff (Ok, let me be honest I was looking for the catastrophic brain tumour I had been imagining)  and I knew the doctor’s office would lead to more doctor’s offices before it led to any answers so I just skipped it all and landed in the ER. I’m sure I’ll deal with insurance fall-out later but I was willing to risk it.

I went to Riverview Medical Center* right down the street from my house. (You know, ’cause maybe you shouldn’t drive too far with Vertigo.) I’m familiar with Riverview because I’ve done events there promoting Right Hand Mom and and the hospital moms site Meridian Momtourage. I know the communications team that I work with for Momtourage is outstanding, but I’ve never had experience with the medical staff.  I’ve never taken my kids there. I’ve never had babies there and I’ve never taken myself there.

I knew I was making the right decision but I was scared. Hospitals are hit or miss. Emergency rooms are even more unpredictable. I’ve had experiences both good and bad. This one was fantastic from beginning to end. Every person I encountered was helfpul, kind and super-efficient, which we’ve already determined is important to me. I had a barrage of tests, saw doctors and nurses, took a much needed albeit chemically induced two hour nap and was out the door in less than four hours.

Here’s the point: if Riverview can function this way, they all should. It is a busy hospital with multiple specialties and doctors of note. They could be “too busy” they could be “frazzled” they could suffer from either the overworked exhaustion or the self-importance some hospitals have projected onto me and my family before. But they don’t. Sure, they are overworked. Sure, they are important. But the only thing that came through yesterday was professionalism, respect and care.They took my concerns seriously and did everything they could to send me home better than I came in.

I’m still dizzy and have a few more bruises from running into things but my self-respect and ego are still intact. And my brain? Well, it looks “beautiful”.

*In the name of disclosure, I am a contributing blogger for Meridian Healthcare’s mom site. Riverview is part of Meridian’s group. However, I am not expected to write about any of the care Meridian provides. In fact, they have no idea I’m writing this. These opinions are all mine and I hope they’re not mad.:)