Sunday, February 10, 2008

Simple life in the home, does not equate simple life on the outside.

This last week has been a very interesting one to say the very least. It has certainly shown me how ridiculous things have become in the world. And that I definately do not want to be a part of such change; of such red tape and beuracracy.

We received Rileys audiology results now that he no longer has grommets and - suprise suprise. He can't hear very well at all.

So, after 1.5 months, we know "properly". I say "D'uh" - but we have to get that piece of paper.

Anyway. When I call the specialist on Wednesday to discuss what we are going to do - his response was;

"Oh yes, he definately needs grommets. Only, I can't do them. I'm retired".

I am thinking, Okay, well surely his offsider can do it, or at the very least, he's got me in touch with another specialist to actually do the surgery.

So, I ask him as much.

"Oh no. You'll have to go back to Bill (my GP) and get another referral to another specialist. Of course, he'll want to look at him first and probably get another audiology report".

Honestly, I felt like screaming. Like a banshee. About how utterly ridiculous this is. My son cannot hear. It has been determined that he requires grommets again. With grommets, his hearing was 100%. Without them, it was 30% function. So, not a decision that requires rocket science. He's already had the procedure done before, so there are no issues there. We have a one week old audiology report. Yet, we have to get another specialist and get another audiology report before we can get the grommets put back in.

Obviously I am pleased. It's not very nice watching your son go backwards. That his language has just died. That his behaviour has just switched. That he's started 4 year old kinder. His confidence has just gone. It devastates me to see him like this - when one simple day surgery operation will fix it. And, that he has to go for at least another 2 weeks like this.

We are going to the GP on Monday to see what they can do. At the very worst, they can give me a referral to a specialist with whom I have an appointment on the 27th. But, if I can get in earlier to a specialist out at bloody tungamah south, then I'll be taking that. And they can write me out a referral to this guy.

Why can't getting a little boy to hear again be simple?

3 comments:

Shannon said...

Ah fuck Shel. I know only too well the run around specialists give you. Here's hoping R gets his grommets asap.

Unknown said...

Sounds like the states. Red tape run around and dealing with federal grants at the University where I used to work led to a nervous breakdown, a load of medication and ultimately my resignation. I commiserate. I do hope your son gets what he needs quickly and without a lot of damage to your nerves.

LBA said...

That sounds like shit.

it's like when you've been seeing a specialist for AGES, like weekly. Lunch dates. And your 'GP referral' from a GP you saw like, once, to get the referral, runs out.

And the Specialist won't see you anymore without a renewal.

WTF ?

I feel for you ( and the boy ! )