Erika in Ireland

I went to my doctor last Thursday to get new prescriptions for my epilepsy meds. That is usually not a problem. I pay 20 euro and get them, then I go to the pharmacy and get meds for a month.

I got the prescriptions, looked at them, and saw that she only had prescribed them for a month (no way I'm gonna pay 20 eur every month). I went to her and told her who I was. She didn't say anything, or her name or anything. I asked her to change it, which she did, and I went to the pharmacy around the corner. Promised to pick them up the day after. Came to the pharmacy on Friday, and the pharmacist looks at me, and tells me that he only have meds for a week. I ask him why?
"Your doctor wants to test this medication"
"Excuse me"
"She said that she wants to test the medications"
"My neurologist prescribed me this medication, I have been on it for 6 monts, it's not up to her to decide"
"I called her, but she said that I could only give you one week at a time, I'm sorry"

I was furious! I went directly up to the Medical Center and asked for the doctor but was told that she had gone home. She would be in on Saturday though, between 11 and 16.

I called the day after, and she wasn't available, but they promised that she would call back later the same day.
No call.

Went their on Monday after work. They let me in right away. (this is the short version)
"Why have you prescribed me meds for only one week?"
"Because I don't want you to take to much medication"
"Excuse me, but you didn't prescribe me this medication, my neurologist did, and I have had them for 6 months"
"Yeah, but I am worried that you will overdose"
"Excuse me? What did you say?" (I was so surprised)
"I don't want you to overdose your medication, which you can do if you have more than one weeks medication"
I was quiet for a few seconds while I was processing what she was insinuating.
"So you mean that I am suicidal? Are you bloody stupid?"
"There is a risk" (I started to curse and got really angry at this moment)
"Excuse me? You're saying that I am suicidal based on what? Do I look like I'm suicidal? I am PERFECTLY FINE!"
"I had another patient, and she said the same thing.."
"WELL, I'm not that patient, AND, if I would like to commit suicide, I have enough medication at home to do it. And I wouldn't do it with drugs. I would jump in front of a train or a bus. And also, I don't have TIME to go and pick up medication every week because of my job. And if I don't take my medication, I can get a fit. And if I get a fit in front of a bus, do you know what, I MIGHT DIE! I have been with my old GP for 18 months, and he has not ever said anything, you have met me once, and think that I'm suicidal without even talking to me?"

The conversation kept on for a while, but in the end, I ended up cursing even more, calling her a fucking idiot and slamming the door when leaving.
I went there two days later. Started writing a letter of complaint which I will still go ahead with (if I haven't commited suicide that is..)

Bloody idiot!

When I went there yesterday to explain that I'm going to Finland for two weeks and will be without meds if she don't give me meds, she told me that she isn't gonna be there after Saturday. Two days notice? Think she has received quite a few complaints. And my old GP is coming back. YEY!!!

And suddenly I'm not suicidal anymore ;)

Some people shouldn't be allowed to be doctors.

And just to make it completely clear to everybody. I am NOT suicidal. I love my life, my work, and my cats! My friends, my liver (even if it doesn't love me back ;) ) and the bloody Irish weather. I love my flat, my stuffed Cheshire cat, and having friends coming over for dinner twice a week!
I have a hard time believing life could be much better at the moment!!!

I hope that you can feel the same!!