Frustrated with "Red Tape"!!!

[Cat Mom]

AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!! I suppose I'm 1 of the lucky MS'ers so I shouldn't complain, please forgive my rant. My employer (our municipal government) has THE BEST Employee Health Services Dept. with people who are honest enough to say "You're too sick to come back" without fear of being sued for discrimination. I have heard this for a couple of years now but...

In August I got clearance from them to go back for a few hours per week (which I'll get paid for at my regular salary rather than the rubbish LTD rate which is desperately needed).

Both my insurance co and my employer need a letter from my neuro stating my limitations, etc. Sounds good except he doesn't have any appointments until JANUARY 2012!!!! He sees patients 1 day per week in the office and that's all. What the heck is that?????? My neuro isn't even an MS specialist, he deals mostly with stroke patients so I'm low on the priority list by comparison.

Does anyone else find this unacceptable? You can't change neuro's in Ontario... once your neuro, always your neuro. Any Canadians out there with advice? I'm sick of the red tape running my life.

[ApVish]

I am sorry that you are going through the red tape issues.

Isn't it possible for the Neuro's office to give you a letter without an appt ? It does suck big time that you would have to wait till Jan for the letter.

[Cat Mom]

That was my first thought too but he says he needs to see me. Thanks for the suggestion though.

[Sequoia]

Hi Cat Mom,

I've moved your thread to the "Multiple Sclerosis Canada" forum where you'll hopefully be able to get some answers from other Canadians about getting action from your neuro.

I'm so sorry you're having this problem...I can only imagine how frustrating it must be!

[CanadianGirl]

If I were in your shoes I would ask my GP to fill out such a form. Do you have a good relationship with your GP?

[onlyairfare]

I'd write the letter myself then ask your neuro or GP to review/edit and sign it. You know your job and your limitations the best, so if you write the letter, you make it easy for them. They don't care for lots of red tape either.

[Rushy]

Cat Mom: You can change neuros if you want to in Ontario. The first neuro I went to basically told me to go home and get ready to be in a wheelchair in 5 years. Next visit he insisted on my husband being in the room and only spoke to him, totally ignored me. I had my gp get me a new neuroligist and I love him. He is in Oshawa. Not sure where you are located. Once my Gp referred me I had an appointment within 2 weeks. He (the neuro) sent me for an EEG because of some seizure issues, on Oct. 3 and I am to go back to see the neuro on Oct. 27. All of this has happened in 6 weeks so there are some doctors out there who do provide the service we need. Hope you get through the red tape quickly.

[camelgirl]

Cat Mom

If this was me, I would go to the office with the forms and tell the secretary how urgent they are, and ask if the doc would be so kind as to fill them in, and if she could let you know when its done. I know likely the answer is no to the request, but... who knows could be your day

[Cat Mom]

Thanks Camelgirl, I ended up getting an appointment on a cancellation and all has been looked after.

[cadiman]

Welcome To Health Care

I am of the opinion that under our current socialistic health care system that there is a preference that we kick the bucket before we can benefit from services. Waiting for help is insane when obviously doctors have already diagnosed the issue.

My advice, keep fighting and push as hard as you can.

[Cat Mom]

Caiman, thanks for the support but I posted this in 2011... I guess good advice is timeless so thanks again!
Jen

[cadiman]

Whuts A year or two....lol

So sorry, I shoulda checked the date.

I guess I was to anxious to offer my opinion. Heck if I could figure-out a way to get money for my thoughts I might actually get rich....lol

Sorry for the mistake.