The Doctor Phillips Saga - Testing Positive for the Flu

Zack does not get sick often but when he decides he has had enough of not feeling well, then he insists on seeing a doctor right away - as in, "I do not want to wait even another minute."  

Such was the case last night.  For a couple days he has been experiencing cold symptoms with a cough.  Yesterday, he added a low grade fever to the mix along with a headache and worsening cough.  By last night, he was coughing so hard, he gave himself a nosebleed.  That was it!  He was determined to be out the door ten minutes ago. 

I was much less enthusiastic as I had been up at 6 (after 4 hrs of sleep) and was with Jon all day at the University of Central Florida for his orientation. But, no amount of talking would convince him to wait - so out the door we went at 9:30 pm.

I had been to the ER at Dr Phillips 3 times before...twice for ear infections for Zack and once when I had diverticulitis.  Both of the ear infection experiences were great (as great as a trip to the ER can be).  We were put in an area called the fast track and were in and out in less than hour.  Of course, the diverticulitis trip took longer because it involved a CT scan and some IV antibiotics.  But still, I had no reason not to expect a similar experience on the fast track.  

The first indicator that things were not great was the parking lot was full!  When we walked in, we were not directed t the fast track...because there was no fast track.  We walked in about 9:45, registered, and they bought Zack back to triage.  He came back about 20 minutes later and said they had shoved something up his nose and that he did not like that!!  So I knew they had tested him for the flu.  

Then we waited...and waited...and waited.  By 10:45 we agreed that if he was not called back by 11:00, we would walk out.  In the meantime, I noticed they were calling a few names that got no response so I think there were others who also got fed up waiting.  We got called back at 10:55. 

Then we waited...and waited....and waited.  Finally, at 11:31, the doctor walked in and introduced himself.  Then the "conversation" went something like this, "I don't know if someone told you this already, but you tested positive for the flu.  There is not much we can do for the flu.  We can give you Tamiflu but it is not going to take your symptoms away but will shorten the duration of the them.  We will also prescribe an anti-nausea medication and a cough suppressant, okay?"  He turned and walked out the door. He stopped suddenly, came back in, and checked Zack's throat, ears, and listened to his chest.  Said only that his throat was nice and red (probably from coughing) and then walked out at 11:39. 

Then we waited...and waited...and waited.  See a theme here?  One half hour later (12:10)!!!! I walked out to the nurses station and (politely) asked if we might have been forgotten about????  The nurse replied, "I will check."  Apparently, that took 25 minutes because she did not come back with the prescriptions until 12:45!  

Then we grabbed our stuff and ran out of there!

Now I just hope I don't get it.