Letter to the Editor

Over the weekend I started getting pain in my private areas. As the weekend progressed, the pain got worse. I thought it would go away. On Monday, I called my gynecologist's office, Butler OB/GYN. I was told I was not an emergency even though I explained the pain was unbearable and could be seen on Tuesday.

I was in so much pain that a friend of mine noticed my discomfort and recommended that I go to the ER. I went to the ER. I had blood taken and had to donate urine for a urinalysis test. The ER doctor said because of the nature of the problem he didn't want to give me an exam when I need an exam from a gynecologist so he called the gynecologist's office and got me an appointment for 1 PM with Dr. Murray. We left the ER and went directly to Dr. Murray's office. As I was leaving the ER, the nurse stopped me to tell me that the initial urine analysis shows some kind of infection but not exactly sure what since it was too soon for full results.

An examination by Dr. Murray was performed and lots of questions were asked & answered. I was told by Dr. Murray that he didn't think there was nothing wrong, and then I was told I need to wait for the results of the test.

On Tuesday, I called Dr. Murray's office to get the blood tests and urine test results. I was told by one person that there was nothing wrong with me. I was told by the second person that the results haven't come in yet. Tuesday afternoon my PCP office calls and says I need to go see a gynecologist but doesn't explain why. I explained to them I already had seen a gynecologist and wasn't treated for anything. The PCP office staff was surprised to hear this.

On Wednesday, I call Dr. Murray's office to get test results and was told again that there were no results yet.

On Thursday - today - I call Dr. Murray's office to get test results to find out the office is closed today. I then call my PCP to get results. PCP office refuses to give me results and says I need to go to gynecologist. I explain I already did but gynecologist office says there are no test results yet.

I tell you this story because now four days later I still have no results, no answers. I am in so much pain I can barely walk but Dr. Murray remains steadfast in the answer that they have no results &/or that there is nothing wrong.

I cannot go to new gynecologist because this is a current problem that needs resolved before switching to a new gynecologist according to the three new gynecologist offices I called.

Am I getting treated this way -- unprofessionally, unkind -- because I am a medical assistance recipient? Am I not getting answers because I use a medical card from the Dept. of Welfare? I feel that I am being treated unfairly and unjustly. I just want answers so that I can get better.

So, am I supposed to live my life in pain? Am I supposed to live my life in fear of what may be wrong because Dr. Murray's office refuses to give me the results?

This letter was submitted to my local newspaper, the Butler Eagle. Not sure what day this will be printed.