I have chronic neck pain from being rear ended and suffering a double whiplash 6 years ago. The only treatment that was successful in relieving the pain has been Botox injections in my neck muscles. Yesterday the pain was so bad and getting worse, that I called about 13 doctors on my insurance plan. First question, Does Dr. Williams use Botox for pain relief in the neck. "Yes, he does!" Great, I'm leaving town this weekend to care for my ill father for an extended period of time, do you think I could see him and receive injections before this weekend? "Yes, I can fit you in tomorrow at 10:30, please bring your MRI report." I drove over to UCLA at 8 in the morning and acquired copies of my report and film. I brought it with me to my appt. I didn't mind that he was running 70 mins behind schedule, pain relief was on it's way. An asst came in to talk and examine me. I was very clear that I was leaving this weekend and needed treatment before I left. He was great, and he said, "you came to the right place, the doctor uses Botox for this frequently and he should be able to help you". They took xrays and the asst briefed the doctor on my condition. So far, so good. The doctor came into the room and agreed that Botox was a good treatment, especially since it's been successful for me in the past. He said they'd set it up. I was so disappointed when he told me that it wouldn't be today, I'd have to make an appt and come back, he said maybe I could get in the next day. Ok, I can wait a day.
The nurse came in and gave me a list and a script for PT. She then explained that they don't have Botox there and it would have to be ordered and I should come back the following week. Everyone I spoke to, knew I was leaving town in 5 days. She said, "Oh, it's not possible for you to get these injections this week." What? Every call I made, everyone I spoke to, knew I was leaving town. She said, "well, we could call it into your pharmacy and you could go pick it up."
OK, I can pick it up, do I bring it back here to the doctor to have him inject me? "No, that's not possible." Wait, I can go pick up the Botox...and then I have to find someone to inject my neck? She said, "I'll see if he can fit you in next week". Seriously? Everyone knew I was there because my pain was excruciating and hoped to get help before leaving.
It's like people don't "think" anymore. If you don't keep Botox in your office..how often do you practice this treatment? And nice assistant guy, why didn't you tell me, I was wasting my time and money because you don't even have Botox? Don't people "think" anymore? Do they not "listen"?
I burst into tears because the hope of pain relief just vanished...Still crying, I got out to the waiting room and after calming myself asked for my xrays. I then called that nurse and left a message, "If I can get the Botox from pharmacy or some other source, can they fit me in tomorrow morning to be injected?" Never heard back. I called again 2 hours later...never heard back. read more