Instructions from Doctors or Nurses We May (or May Not) Like to Hear

Recently I was talking with a neighbor who had just received a call from the nurse in her doctor's office. The nurse said something like: "You'd better come in today, you'll probably need an injection." Thinking back, I remember a few times getting calls like that with instructions from a doctor or nurse. Some were in response to a call I made, asking for help. Our current doctor called once and, among other "fun" instructions for my sick husband, instructed: "If he hasn't had a bowel movement by tomorrow morning, don't be shy, give him an enema." Any "instructions" out there you'd like to share?

First of all, thank you for coming up with an original topic for discussion! I don't think I've ever seen this one before.

Personally, most of the phone call instructions that I receive from my doctors don't really bother me. Most of the time they're either calling to tell me that some lab tests were normal, or that the doctor said to continue taking prescription X, Y, or Z for 10 more days. That kind of thing. Nothing really horrible.

The few times that I've received some bad news over the phone have all really involved my insurance. Getting a call that says your insurance has denied coverage of some procedure, or that you need to get another pre-authorization for your prescription is not pleasant news. It usually means I need to get on the phone and fight with my insurance to get them to cover what they should cover in the first place. But their usual policy is deny first, then make the patient fight for their rights.

The phone call that I do actually enjoy is the one reminding me of my upcoming appointment for a full physical exam. When they call for that, they remind me of the purpose for the appointment ("we have you booked for a complete physical exam"), and also any prep and fasting instructions ("please don't eat or drink anything after midnight" and "don't apply any creams or lotions the morning of the appointment"). Those kinds of calls help me to look forward to my exam!

Nurse returned my call regarding older daughter who was throwing up after dinner and overnight, then dry heaving for several hours into the morning, and hasn't slept: "Ice chips, small sips of Gatorade. If it doesn't let up we can give her a shot of Compazine, that usually stops it."

I got a phone answer 2 weeks ago I didn't like. I was having frequency of urination and burning after a cystoscopy. The lady on the phone told me to come to the office, leave a urine sample that would go to the lab for evaluation, before any Rx would be written. I knew she was just following the office protocol. I hung up, started myself on Cipro 500mg. b.i.d. and it cleared up. I also always begin a regimen of Flagyl whenever I take a broad-spectrum antibiotic, because I can get pseudomembraneous colitis if I don't.

Ever since my bowel resection and radiation for colon cancer, I can get PMC due to Clostridium Difficile when on antibiotics.

Whenever told I would need an injection in my youth, my only fear was where I would get it.