Does Multiple Sclerosis Make You Stupid?

In previous posts I have written about my bad experience trying to get a good eye exam in my wheelchair. It took many cold calls to find an opthamologist who would/could give me an exam and new prescription while I stayed in my wheelchair. (Since they had no one and no way to transfer me to the big chair with the refractor.)

Finally I found one in Seattle. I made the appt. with my speaker phone on; two other people heard the conversation---appt. date March 3, 9am. Then I arranged my van ride.

Friday before this week, a message was left on my phone: "Reminder of your appt. at 10am," and of course it was left 5 minutes before the office closed for the week.

First thing Monday I called the doctor's office and was told that I was flat out wrong. I said, "I don't think so. I will see if I change my van ride." Then the receptionist argued that appts. must be made far in advance. (Who am I? Just a person with MS. I won't know the difference.) I said I called a month ago. She flipped through her papers, read my previous call date before thinking---I had called a month before. So, she quickly stated that the Dr. is booked a month ahead all the time.

My van could not take me Tues.; I called back and got a different receptionist. I asked when the next available date was---one week away. Then I told her what had just happened and she said , "Well, someone just cancelled." (OK) I asked when the next regular open day was---two weeks away.

After telling her I had been lied to and told the Dr. was filled up a month away, she got snippy and said, "What do you want me to do?" I bit my tongue and said, "The doctor should know how patients are handled by you. Please bring this up at a staff meeting." The reply was a snooty, "Fine."

Again, AGAIN---who will believe someone with a brain disease? Many people equate wheelchair with stupid person. They speak over you; how could YOU understand. I have MS, but I am not stupid. (Jeopardy aside)