On edge - the dreaded doctor call-back

[BoardLikeAMirror]

Aargh, I am so on edge I can barely keep still!

I am currently seeking diagnosis & was told my GP had referred me some weeks ago. Having heard nothing - not even a letter to say I was on a 3 year waiting list or whatever - I chased this up today. All I really wanted was a letter confirming the referral was pending, as I might go down the private route and I have been told by my insurer they would need a letter.

Obviously a horrible call to make (I hate making any phone calls in a private capacity although oddly I can cope with work phone calls). The receptionist was lovely and did confirm the referral had been sent but said someone would call me back tomorrow to talk to me.

Now I am on edge wondering why - why can they not just send a letter saying my referral has been sent off? Does it mean my referral has been blocked or declined? And I will be waiting all day for a call which might not even come, while I am supposed to be working and I won't be able to concentrate and I have a ton of things to do.

I have been basically smoking, sitting down for a bit, getting up again, pacing the house and going out to chain smoke again since I got off the phone.

Just wanted to vent really but any coping ideas welcome

I've no advice because I do exactly the same, it's a common autism thing. If I have to wait for a call, all I can focus on is waiting for the call.

Yes, that's exactly it, ofwarren. I keep trying to distract myself but my brain just loops back to it.

Aw no, not the dreaded call back 😖 it's stressful.for sure.

I find, if you go to the loo, they usually call then.

I tend to go to the loo a lot when I'm nervous so that's highly likely to happen

Waiting for a call back is as though life has been put on pause. This is one of the few things I envy NT's as some have an ability to just carry on with their day until the call comes.

Not me. The world stops 👿

No coping strategies I'm afraid @BoardLikeAMirror

Sorry!

Yes, it must be marvellous to be able to forget about it until it happens. I've been awake for an hour already worrying about it - decided in the end I might as well get up. Just been checking I haven't accidentally put my phone on silent.

Did the doctor ring back @boardlikeamirror

It's supposed to happen today so I am still waiting @ofwarren - can't concentrate on anything .

Are they ringing on your mobile? I tuck mine into my crop top and carry it with me so I don't miss the call.

Yes - it's in the hand warmer on the front of my jumper - also got my husband to ring to check it wasn't muted etc. No call yet

Perhaps they'll ring once they've finished morning surgery.

Finally got a call this afternoon ... to tell me the doctor isn't in and will call me on Friday.

This has sent me spiralling in paranoia - my husband keeps telling me it's no more than an admin cock-up and he has experienced the same, which is true (he has been having a prolonged investigation into kidney problems since pre-pandemic). I could have coped with tomorrow but now I've got another day to worry through.

Oh, well - at least they did call which is something I suppose!

🤦‍♀️ oh no, that's a real bummer. I'm sorry this happened.

Good luck for today

Thank you @ofwarren - I have a feeling I may need it.

All the best for today @BoardLikeAMirror

I really hope the doctor calls this morning so that you get some respite from the 'waiting anxiety' and can enjoy the rest of the day.

Hope you get a call soon 👍🏻

They phoned! They are arranging for the letter to be typed up and said it shouldn't take too long! Now I can get on with my day!

I will now be haunting the letter box but at least with that I know when the post normally arrives so it won't take over my whole day.

Thank you all for your good wishes and support!

@BoardLikeAMirror

They phoned! They are arranging for the letter to be typed up and said it shouldn't take too long! Now I can get on with my day!

I will now be haunting the letter box but at least with that I know when the post normally arrives so it won't take over my whole day.

Thank you all for your good wishes and support!

Excellent! I love it when the phone call is early!

Hurrah!!! Enjoy the feeling of relief and have a cuppa 😃☕️

Brilliant news @BoardLikeAMirror

What a massive relief for you 😁 😁 😁

I shall be relaxing with a Friday glass of wine tonight and enjoying the hiatus between this bit being done with and starting to worry at some point next week that the letter won't turn up!!!