Despite the unnecessary pain, I could not help but feel a glimmer of hope now that I had a possible answer. Sure it was a condition that I had not ever heard of, but it was something – surely if the condition is recognized, it also had a treatment. I was anxious to see Dr. B. so that we could discuss this new finding. When I did see him, he did not seem convinced that it could actually be TOS (considering the previous neck X-ray), but recommended that I have a CT scan of the area to make sure.

The CT scan was a harrowing experience. If Dr. B. is incredibly adept at the level of care he provides, the specialists and other health care service providers he has to send me to for tests and treatment seem to be equally inept. I am literally working through my pain – I have not yet taken a medical leave at my job. As such, time off for all of these tests is precious. Imagine my dismay, then, when I show up for my CT scan and am told that due to my seafood (read: iodine) allergy, I could not take the test that day as the scan used a contrast dye, and I had not taken the necessary anti-allergy medicine.

Why had I failed to do so? It may have something to do with the fact that no one neither informed me of nor provided me with this important medication. Considering the fact that I took a day off of work for this procedure, the sympathetic triage nurse did what she could (there was a discrepancy between my doctor’s written order and what the CT tech had regarding the dye), but ultimately I could not get the test done that day. We worked it out so that I could return on an upcoming scheduled day off that wasn’t too far into the future, and I was handed my medication then. I was also promised that I would not have to re-register; I would be able to come right to the Imaging desk and get my test done. I was frustrated, but I’d rather be safe than sorry. Besides, this was one of those rare off days hospitals have from time to time, right?

As I would later find, this hospital must promote a culture of incompetence. When I returned, the nurse I was used to dealing with was not there. As such, although I had been promised that I would not have to re-register, I was now being told that I would. When I got to registration, the clerk said that my referral was no longer applicable. She tried calling my doctor’s office, and said that they were closed since no one answered – they weren’t. I figured by the way she immediately put on her coat that she was more concerned with ending her shift than helping me receive any care. I called my clinic myself, and lo and behold, I got an answer. I explain the situation to the receptionist (who has a tendency toward a nasty attitude herself), and despite her reluctance to correct the referral, I don’t take no for an answer. The new referral is faxed over, and I arrive (late) to my CT scan. For reasons I can’t recall, I still was not allowed to take the test. Now I was mad.