For those that don't already know ...
I'm leaving WA and moving home (NSW) in the next couple of weeks. I've handed in my resignation at work and advised my Real Estate Property manager and am in the process of feebly de-cluttering before mum arrives to help me pack.
The migraines have gotten worse again this year and I just cannot get any medical help from WA specialists. THe endocrinologist says I need to speak to the neurologist. The neurologist says "I diagnosed you last year, if you're not getting better, then you're not taking the pills I prescribed". The neurosurgeon will see me in June after my scheduled MRI scan and no we can't bring that forward.
Also no other neuro specialist in Perth will see me, because I am listed as a patient of the above three. Apparently second opinions are an anathema to specialists in Perth. The low point came when I found out I didn't even have a GP as she had moved on from the clinic and no-one would tell me where she went.
Weeks later and many fights later, I have a new GP and written referrals to specialists in Sydney and Canberra. Both sets of specialists have asked for more information and copies of my scans. The Canberra neurologist has booked me in for an appointment on 29 March.
The Sydney suite of specialists have my history, reports and scans and will let me know when they've reviewed my case.
So, packing and moving. I wont have a job, and frankly I don't have the health to apply for a job anymore, so I'm moving in with mum and living off her for a few months until we get this medical stuff with my head sorted out.
Not the most triumphal return from the wilds of WA, but unfortunately a necessary move.
18 comments:
I say good for you! It may seem like your going backward, but in my opinion, you need to address your health with as little stress as possible. Once that is taken care of, managed into a little box and controlled, the Tigger that is Mel can then take the world on again at full Tigger speed. Nothing has kept you down for long in the past and I don't see this as being able to either! Full steam ahead!! You go girl!
Chele
Exactly what Chele said. Sometimes, our bodies get the better of us and we have to listen to them and take care of them. Having been forced to live first off my parents and then off my husband, I know how much it sucks.
I'm so glad you've got the specialist referrals. You can't move forward if no-one's working out what path you need to take. (Know about that too.)
Despite the negative reasons for this, I hope in the long run it's the beginning of big steps forward.
And huge, huge cheers for your mum!
I am so glad to hear that you are finally getting to go. I hate that your health issues can't get resolved, and that who you've got to rely on for that there don't seem too reliable. Getting you healthy should be your only concern, and I think your mum will be a big factor in that. Good luck in the move, and in your upcoming doctor visits!!!
This seems to come up much closer now! I'm so happy for you that something might get done soon! This was hardly a bearable situation anymore.
I'm glad you're getting to go.. and getting back to where you want to be (geographically at least) may help more than you even think. You'll also have a great support in your mom. Concentrate on getting better - the rest will follow!
I know it all sounds negative, but you're making all the right decisions for the right reasons. You've struggled through 2011, and haven't just given on. You KNOW Sydney will be better for medical advice, Perth just isn't big enough. For what it's worth. I agree with all above...good call (and one more reason for me to double my discretionary trips to Sydney)
Do you ever visit Canberra? We'll be living about an hour drive outside Canberra .... near Yass. Also it's only three hours drive (or train trip) to Sydney. So we can go both ways :)
And thanks for all of the kind words about mum - she's fantastic and I seriously could not have done this now without her!
Glad to hear you are moving home to have your Mom help you with your health issues. While it's discouraging to move home, it's probably the best place for now. And your stress level will go down too, so I hope that will help you feel better. You deserve it :)
Sounds like it will be a good move for you. I'm sorry I didn't get to know you better whilst you were living here in WA - it's been nice having you around the few times we were at the same meet up. I hope you get better care over east - it really does sound like you have had the run around. Best wishes Mel!
Your Mums doing what all good mums do and thats looking out for you. You are definitely doing the right thing. Get your health sorted out and then other things will gradually fall into place. Good luck with the move and many thanks to Denise for all the help she's giving you.
I'll hold off sending the RR until you're settled in your new address. I might even do the house after all.
I think it will be the best move.
It will be super to get to spend a good amount of time with Denise again and that will help muchly with the healing process too.
The east coast seems so much better equipped to deal with stuff than the west, sigh.
Good luck honey.
I think it's just that there's a greater population density in the East than the West. Where mum and I will be living, I can make same day trips to five cities the same size or larger than Perth. In the West there is ONLY Perth.
You're in my thoughts and prayers lady. I hope you get better results with the medical staff on the other side of the country. I heard just about the same thing from my GP "Well, if you're not getting better it's because your not taking the pills". The pills I have been on 3 other times that didn't work, that I told her from the start wouldn't work. It would be nice to find a doctor that doesn't start off assuming that You know nothing about You, wouldn't it?
Update: Mum's address is in the All Stitcher's Lounge address book if anyone wants it.
I've heard back from the neurosurgeons in Sydney and they want to operate as soon as possible.
Mum will be here Wednesday night, I finish work on Friday, we're having a garage sale to sell furniture, kitchenware etc on Sunday, then pack and move the following Wednesday.
Outstanding news about the Op. Amazing what a difference a coast makes
Yes and now everyone here is keen to tell me, over and over again, that *those* Sudney neurosurgons are famous for only taking on risky operations and are "hideously expensive".
My only comment of "what price do you put on your health?" doesn't seem to go down well.
However damage done, I'm now worrying about how risky it is and its yet another expense mum may have to pay for me .... time to sell off more stuff ...
Good thing i have private health insurance!
We will get there - I will be healthy - this is a learning growing life experience.
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