"Patient Care"

My husband's health has been deteriorating for the past few years.  He has several ongoing issues which started with an RA flare 3 to 4 years ago.  He is now dealing with RA in his lungs, and heart failure.  So there are several specialists including lung specialist, rheumatologist and cardiologists as well as our GP.  

Most of the care givers we have dealt with are great.  Frustrating part is explaining what's happened every time we go for tests or procedures.  Going to the local clinic and getting a student and having to explain what has happened in the last year or so. Procedures which have been tried etc.  I realize everyone has to learn, but for those with complex medical history it gets so frustrating.  We have told his history more times than I can remember.  

I also realize that the medical system is very overwhelmed. However it often feels we are just a number.  My husband had a pacemaker inserted in January 2025.  No one informed us of the changes to his daily life until after surgery. Had a follow up appointment scheduled with doctor 6 weeks after surgery - a 2 hour drive each way for us - in minus 30 weather and the doctor was a no show.

I don't know what the answer is, but I feel with the way things have gone, my husband will be gone before the system is fixed.  Doctors, nurses etc. need to spend 5 minutes scanning a patients background, to see what is going on.  See patients as people not just the next person in their day.