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Virtual It Girl
Citizen
Username: Shh
Post Number: 3644
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, December 19, 2005 - 9:41 pm: |     |
My three year old has been having a minor problem that concerned us, and this weekend she fell and hurt her mouth so this morning I called the ped. office and described the symptoms to a nurse.
She told me to come in at 1:30 to see a dr. in the practice I haven't seen before. I was surprised the office wasn't at lunch at that time, but thought perhaps as the practice has grown, they stagger lunch times.
I arrive at 1:25, the latest. Put my daughter's name on the list and wait. Finally, after 45 minutes I ask what's going on. Well, it seems the doctor wasn't in until 2pm. I ask why I was told to come in and 1:30. Reception doesn't know. I ask why no one mentioned the dr. wasn't in when I showed up. Blank stares.
A few minutes later we get called in. Meet new dr, she examines daughter for initial problem. Makes diagnosis and prescribes treatment. I ask her about the mouth injury. She looks and expresses concern, tells me to get to a dentist by tomorrow.
I call my mom's office, she's a dental hygienist. I go to her office in SI by 4:45. They determine she should take an antibiotic to try and prevent infection. I am concerned with her being on two prescriptions, so my mom calls the office and speaks to the prescribing dr. They determine best course of action and dr. offers to call in prescriptions. This is approx 5:45.
By 6:50 I arrive with the kid at CVS on Millburn Ave. No prescriptions have been called in. I call the office and they tell me they just got the presc. I explain I was there when the dentist called and it was over and hour ago. I call my mom at work and tell her to call the dr.s office. They tell her they tried calling but couldn't get through. She said the patient is there waiting, perhaps you can try again or do you need me to call it in.
I wait on line again. Yes, the office just called. Ok. I will wait here with the 3 yo. until it's ready. A good 1/2 hour passes. I get back on line. They didn't start filling it! Ask for insurance card. Fill pres. I ask why I sat and waited. They said they didn't have my card info. I asked why didn't they ask for it since I was sitting right there. Blank stares! Finally leave CVS by 7:50.
What the F is wrong with people?
For what it's worth, I adore my regular ped. and in nearly ten years of being a mom to 3 kids have had to call for emergency visits less only several times (knock wood). It frustrates me to no end that in a time of need, they are inefficient.
My mom said just let it go. I feel the dr. (whom I adore and see for our well visits) would want to know. Anytime I am there he asks if I've waited too long.
I am also really sad because it seems my beautiful baby will lose her front tooth and as late teethers I know Santa won't be bringing her front teeth until she's in third grade.  |
ess
Citizen
Username: Ess
Post Number: 697
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Monday, December 19, 2005 - 10:30 pm: | |
VIG - I am sorry to hear about your experience! Sounds awfully frustrating. I hope your daughter is feeling better.
I do want to share something about the missing front tooth issue. My son tripped and fell on a concrete sidewalk when he was about 21 months old. He shattered his front tooth, and had to have the tooth extracted. When he was 3, his dentist gave him a prosthetic tooth, which looked OK, but over time, it annoyed him and he wound up having that removed last year.
He is 5 now. He has a missing front tooth, and almost everyone who sees him asks about it. For his part, he is fine with it. He refers to it as his "space" and thinks he makes cool marks when he bites apples. The only downside was that he had a buzz on his "s"s for a while, but that seems to be going away on its own.
It's probably more traumatic for you than for your daughter. It's a baby tooth, it probably didn't cause damage to her permanent teeth, and if your dentist thinks it's a good idea, you can get her a prosthetic tooth and none will be the wiser.
(BTW - I use a fantastic pediatric dentist in Edison. He was actually open on the Memorial Day weekend when my son had his fall. I can PL you the info if you are interested.) |
Virtual It Girl
Citizen
Username: Shh
Post Number: 3645
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, December 19, 2005 - 10:42 pm: | |
Hi Ess, thanks for sharing that info with me.
Luckily, it seems from Xrays her permanent teeth were not damaged.
She was incredible in the dentist's office...I guess it doesn't hurt that she's known the dentist and my mom, the hygienist, forever! I was really proud of her, such a brave kid! (We were there just a few weeks ago too, when my root canal—from her bopping me in the head—had to be filled. She acts like she owns the joint! "Now I need to take prizes for my sisters." She was so funny, she had three of each of her selections all bagged up for the girls.)
We didn't even discuss prosthetics, but it's good to know it's an option. I will take her back there on Thursday to see if the swelling has gone down and if her tooth tightens up a bit.
I am comfortable bringing her to my mom's office, but if they feel a pediatric specialist would handle it better I will ask you for that info.
Thanks for making me feel a little better. |
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 6363
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, December 19, 2005 - 10:46 pm: | |
There is something about that CVS that works my last nerve. You can be the only person in the place and they won't put a simple antibiotic Rx in front of the queue. Topf's on Springfield takes most Rx plans. I was so happy when they started taking mine a few months ago. I've never waited more than 10-15 minutes for a walk in. And they will call the Dr. office right then and there. |
Virtual It Girl
Citizen
Username: Shh
Post Number: 3646
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, December 19, 2005 - 10:51 pm: | |
You know G, I mentioned Topf's while my mom was on the phone with the drs office. Unfortunately, I gave them the option and they went with CVS.
My husband said the same thing when I finally got home.
I use a mail order RX service for my stuff, which I love, but the once or twice we've used Topf's we've been pleased.
(Used to Love Carolina but they've gone down the tubes too.) |
doulamomma
Citizen
Username: Doulamomma
Post Number: 696
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Monday, December 19, 2005 - 11:10 pm: | |
I just PL'd you with some info
I, too, hate CVS...
Hope you all get good rest tonight after the day you had! |
las
Citizen
Username: Las
Post Number: 742
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Monday, December 19, 2005 - 11:22 pm: | |
Oh, wow, VIG. Poor you, poor baby girl! She'll be okay with the loss of a tooth, and in time, you will be, too.
(If it's any consolation, I lost most of my teeth in one fell swoop at age five, and what I remember most were all the things I could stick in my mouth without actually opening it.) |
Virtual It Girl
Citizen
Username: Shh
Post Number: 3647
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 20, 2005 - 7:30 am: | |
Thanks Ladies.
I think I really just needed to rant. Don't know if I will write the drs office a letter. On paper it doesn't sound as incompetent as it felt at the (stressful) time...just inefficient.
And forget about CVS, that place has seen the last of my business (all $18 per year of it).
Hopefully today will be a better day.
 |
Smarty Jones
Citizen
Username: Birdstone
Post Number: 57
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 20, 2005 - 7:43 am: | |
Future tip for that CVS....give them the prescription, the amount, the Dr's name and number and they will call within the hour. The Dr. simply has to say "Yup" when they call. |
Meandtheboys
Citizen
Username: Meandtheboys
Post Number: 2413
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 20, 2005 - 8:18 am: | |
Sorry for your sh*tty day and poor little one's front tooth. Days like that make me feel like my head might explode! Luckily, her adult teeth are fine.
The one and only good thing about CVS is the 24-hour one on Morris Avenue in Union. With little ones, there are lots of times when you need a perscription at all kinds of odd hours: very early in the morning, late Sunday afternoon (as was the case for us just a few weeks ago), middle of the night!
I use Carolina for my "regular hours" needs and they kind of drive me crazy. I always just thought it was the nature of pharmacies to drive you crazy. Maybe I should try switching to Topf's? |
Amateur Night
Citizen
Username: Deborahg
Post Number: 1711
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 20, 2005 - 9:05 am: | |
Hey there,
My son shattered his front tooth running on concrete when he was one. He's now 5 and has been gap-toothed ever since. I may be totally biased, but I don't think it detracts significantly from his cuteness. More to the point, most people don't even notice it.
 |
Amateur Night
Citizen
Username: Deborahg
Post Number: 1712
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 20, 2005 - 9:06 am: | |
Whoops, he's now *four*.... |
las
Citizen
Username: Las
Post Number: 743
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 20, 2005 - 9:10 am: | |
I don't think it detracts from his cuteness at all! |
Virtual It Girl
Citizen
Username: Shh
Post Number: 3650
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 20, 2005 - 9:15 am: | |
No...he's adorable!
I know she'll be fine, it really was just the stress and combination of everything that made me so PO'd!
(I still hope her tooth will be ok of course.) |
Tom Reingold
Supporter
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 11418
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 20, 2005 - 9:22 am: | |
shh, I agree your regular doctor should hear about it. He should see this as an opportunity to serve you better from now on. Scheduling you for a time before the doctor arrives messed up, for sure. The doctor should take responsibility for that, even if the receptionist made the mistake.
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Amateur Night
Citizen
Username: Deborahg
Post Number: 1713
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 20, 2005 - 9:57 am: | |
VIG, I know what you mean, the day he lost his tooth was a NIGHTMARE. I probably would've slugged that receptionist. |
mim
Citizen
Username: Mim
Post Number: 537
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 20, 2005 - 10:38 am: | |
I can empathize with your sorrow. Our son also fell and lost one of his front teeth, just as he was turning age 1. I was broken-hearted about his beautiful smile being ruined, but of course, we all got used to it eventually -- but it seemed like the worst thing in the world at first. |
ess
Citizen
Username: Ess
Post Number: 700
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 20, 2005 - 9:26 pm: | |
VIG - nice to see you today! Your daughter is adorable; hope it all works out with the tooth.
Amateur Night - we have similar stories. Your son's smile looks like my son's smile.
Today, my son was eating ice cream and enjoying the pattern his teeth/space were making. It totally does not detract from his cuteness. |
phyllis
Citizen
Username: Phyllis
Post Number: 463
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 21, 2005 - 9:28 am: | |
What a hassle and heartache!
I just can't miss an opportunity to give a plug for the lovely lovely women pharmacists at Carolina Pharmacy. They consistently go out of their way for me. You often hear them refer to their customers by name and are just wonderful. |
Virtual It Girl
Citizen
Username: Shh
Post Number: 3661
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 21, 2005 - 10:06 am: | |
Really, the last time I was there, after Arnie (I think that was his name) left, I had a not so great experience.
Maybe things have improved. Certainly can't be worse than that hellhole CVS. |
Lizziecat
Citizen
Username: Lizziecat
Post Number: 981
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 21, 2005 - 10:12 am: | |
I think it depends upon which CVS you use. I go to the one on Valley Road in West Orange, and I am very happy with the service in their pharmacy department. |
ess
Citizen
Username: Ess
Post Number: 709
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 21, 2005 - 10:58 am: | |
The one on Millburn Avenue is ridiculous. They have you wait for the simplest prescription. A royal pain when one is with her children. The pharmacists are also a tad snotty. I would hope that other locations would be better.
Plus, the customers are all on top of one another, which can be embarrassing when the pharmacist belts out, "Any questions about your Viagra???" . But I digress. |
Amateur Night
Citizen
Username: Deborahg
Post Number: 1714
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 21, 2005 - 1:56 pm: | |
Ess:  |
Cynicalgirl
Citizen
Username: Cynicalgirl
Post Number: 2119
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, December 22, 2005 - 6:45 am: | |
Agree with Phyllis on the positives of Carolina Pharmacy. My husband is on a boat-load of prescriptions, and they are always extremely helpful and accommodating with last minute needs, and accommodations when the doc can't be immediately reached. Walgreen's? Half the time the computer doesn't work. Pathmark OK but much more impersonal. |
junerose
Citizen
Username: Junerose
Post Number: 24
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Monday, December 26, 2005 - 10:02 pm: | |
I understand how frustrating the medical situations can be especially when trying to reach a doctor on "off hours". In some cases however the advantage to reach a doctor in the group at all is often abused. First of all if you have a true medical emergency there is very little a dr can do for you over the telephone. Gone are the days of "meeting you at the office". I cannot tell you how many calls come in for medication refills on the weekend or "I have had a cough for 2 weeks and I need meds" I especially like the "birth control" refill calls on Sunday morning
these women just realize they need to begin on that day and are very nasty when they find out the dr does not oblige. This just states a few... |
Meandtheboys
Citizen
Username: Meandtheboys
Post Number: 2488
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 27, 2005 - 11:22 am: | |
I am pleased to report the days of "meeting you at the office" are not completely gone, junerose.
The weekend before Thanksgiving my youngest had a fever for several days. He had seen my pediatrician that Friday, but didn't improve all weekend. We called the doctor on Sunday morning, fully expecting to be sent to the ER. However, the covering doctor was a very sweet older gentleman who's office was in his home in West Orange. He had us come right over. We were in and out quickly with a diagnosis of bronchitis and a prescription for antibiotics. It was a really great experience. |
junerose
Citizen
Username: Junerose
Post Number: 25
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 27, 2005 - 7:29 pm: | |
Yes that is the exception to the rule.Many pedia-
tricians are in on Sunday. |
redY67
Citizen
Username: Redy67
Post Number: 4713
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 28, 2005 - 1:09 pm: | |
I hate CVS! We go to the one in Springfield and NEVER not once have my prescriptions been ready. I have even called before to make sure they were ready. Finally we decided to switch to Carolina's. Hopefully this will be a much better experience. |
Meandtheboys
Citizen
Username: Meandtheboys
Post Number: 2497
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 28, 2005 - 2:24 pm: | |
Hate to break it to ya, red, but my experience with Carolina has consistently been the same as what you describe at CVS. Even when I call ahead and specifically request a prescription be ready at particular time, it's generally not. And I usually call ahead because I know I'll have kids in the car and I just want to run in and run out. Never, ever happens that way.
I just figure that's the way it is with most pharmacy's and that switching won't really change anything. |
redY67
Citizen
Username: Redy67
Post Number: 4716
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 28, 2005 - 4:04 pm: | |
me say it isn't so! That is dis-heartening. CVS is really so bad that I have to leave, no exaggeration. There has been times my hubby comes home with the wrong prescription filled. |
mjc
Citizen
Username: Mjc
Post Number: 981
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 28, 2005 - 5:10 pm: | |
We have had good prescription service for years at the CVS on Valley Road in West Orange (follow Ridgewood about a mile or less past the SO line, Valley Rd = Ridgewood).
I guess it might be a little bit of a hike from some parts of Maplewood, but it's close to us in SO.
They also have a pretty good selection of toiletries, first aid, and a few quick-stop-type groceries. |
TomR
Citizen
Username: Tomr
Post Number: 869
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 28, 2005 - 5:14 pm: | |
TS and I have been using the pharmacy at the Milburn Avenue CVS for several years, and have never had a problem.
Drop the script off; ask when it will be ready; and go back when the elapsed time has expired. As I wrote, never a problem.
But then again, neither TS or I expect the pharmacists, or others, to accommodate demands that our time, or schedule, is more important than anybody else's.
Meandtheboys, Please tell me I've misunderstood, and that you DON'T leave the kids in the car while you duck into Carolina.
TomR
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Virtual It Girl
Citizen
Username: Shh
Post Number: 3698
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 28, 2005 - 6:22 pm: | |
Deamnd that my time is more important than anyone elses? Uh, no. Yes, it was a misunderstanding that the dr's office didn't call it in when they said they would, but then they DID call it in and I was there. I told the person behind the counter I'd shop around and sit on the side so they could let me know when it was ready. The idiot didn't think to ask over the counter for my prescription card, so after almost and hour I waited on line again, dumbfounded it wasn't ready.
And I was not the only one there with problems with my prescriptions. |
TomR
Citizen
Username: Tomr
Post Number: 877
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, December 29, 2005 - 1:09 pm: | |
VIG,
My reference regarding impatient people wasn't direced towards you; but rather toward impatient people, of which there are many.
Its good to read that all will be well with your daughter.
TomR |
Virtual It Girl
Citizen
Username: Shh
Post Number: 3703
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, December 29, 2005 - 4:02 pm: | |
Thanks Tom. Sorry, it seemed as though your were directing that towards me. The frustration still hasn't ended. A week after going on the antibiotic she broke out in hives head to toe.
And the tooth, well we're still waiting it out. |
ess
Citizen
Username: Ess
Post Number: 759
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, December 29, 2005 - 5:14 pm: | |
VIG, what antibiotic?
Years ago, my daughter was on Cefzil (a cephalosporin) and the same thing happened.
Hope the little cutie is doing well, otherwise! |
Virtual It Girl
Citizen
Username: Shh
Post Number: 3708
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, December 29, 2005 - 11:04 pm: | |
Just amoxycillin Ess. My middle daughter is allergic too, and I don't even think the eldest has ever taken it.
My mom had called the dr's office to ask what antibiotic they recommended, and it dawned on me to mention we had one amoxycillin allergy in the family, but I didn't. Now I'll have to remember that. I am allergic to Sulfa, same thing happened to me.
Otherwise she's fine, the hives seem to be almost gone, and she's her usual demanding self. (But cute as can be of course!)
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